Whakarewarewa Geothermal Area - Whakarewarewa Rotorua New Zealand. Maori village, geyers, hot pools and mud pools. Pohutu Geyser.
Hot pools at Whakarewarewa, Rotorua

Whakarewarewa

Incorporating the magnificence of the geothermal landscape and the unique experience of a traditional Maori village, Whakarewarewa is a place of natural wonder and spiritual significance. 500 hot springs and 65 geyser vents are set among the distinctly colourful sinter terraces and pools that make up Whakarewarewa Thermal Valley. Only three kilometres from Rotorua, it is an extremely popular tourism destination.


Hot springs at Whakarewarewa, Rotorua

Pohutu Geyser

Whakarewarewa is home of the largest geyser in New Zealand: the mighty Pohutu Geyser erupts up to 15 times a day and shoots hot water around 30 meters (100 feet) skywards. Pohutu means "big splash" or "explosion". Each geyser in the Whakarewarewa area has its own name.

This spectacular display of nature's power was put under threat as its geothermal resource was tapped into for domestic and commercial heating. Fortunately for Pohutu and for the thousands of tourists both national and international who come to see it every year, the local government closed these drains in the late 1980's and today Pohutu and its fellow geysers are well on the way to their original majesty.


Te Puia

Whakarewarewa is known as the Living Thermal Village. Maori have lived at this site for 700 years, and today it is home to the New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute, the guardian-place of Maori arts, crafts and culture.

At the heart of Whakarewarewa is the Pa, a Maori village where you may roam among the whares (traditional carved houses) and marvel at how the indigenous peoples of New Zealand lived not so very long ago. Daily guided tours provide a glimpse into how the Maori of this region lived in harmony with the abundantly resourceful geothermal environment.


Maori performance at Whakarewarewa, Rotorua

The Whakarewarewa Experience

Be entertained and awed by the traditional Maori cultural performances incorporating melodious voice, stimulating movement and respect of the land and their ancestors. Truly moving and divinely unique, the Whakarewarewa experience is not to be missed.

Having had your fill of the sights, the sounds and the aromas, relax at the cafe and enjoy corn on the cob cooked fresh in the steaming waters of the hot springs or try a traditional Hangi meal, cooked in a pit of hot stones and layers of flax and earth. What could be closer to an authentic Maori experience!



See a complete list of Whakarewarewa activities.

This week's featured activities in Whakarewarewa are:

Featured Activities

Tauranga Shore Excursion: Rotorua Highlights Including Whakarewarewa Visit

Tauranga Shore Excursion: Rotorua Highlights Including Whakarewarewa Visit

Ports of Call Tour - Tauranga - Starting from $145.00 per person

Spend your time in the Port of Tauranga exploring the geothermal landscapes and Maori culture of New Zealand on this 6-hour Rotorua highlights tour. Discover top Rotorua attractions such as Government Gardens, Rachel's Pool and enjoy free time to explore St. Faith’s Church or the Ohinemutu Maori Village. Learn of life in a Maori tribe at The Living Maori Village and see a traditional Maori dance. Then, wander through the Whakarewarewa Valley — home to powerful geysers and bubbling mud pools.... More...

Tauranga Shore Excursion: Hobbiton Lord Of The Rings Movie Set and Rotorua Geothermal Geyser Combo Tour

Tauranga Shore Excursion: Hobbiton Lord Of The Rings Movie Set and Rotorua Geothermal Geyser Combo Tour

Ports of Call Tour - Tauranga - Starting from $225.00 per person

Your pick-up is just a short walk from your ship at the end of the wharf, where you board one of our modern 2017/18 small group mini van vehicles! All entrance fees, guides and cultural show is included in the price.Experience geysers, mud pools and steam vents with Maori culture. Not to forget the infamous Haka War dance. This is performed by one of Rotorua's leading Maori cultural performance groups. Encounter a strange landscape of sights, sounds and smells. Marvel at the way the Maori's... More...

Hangi Pie Experience

Hangi Pie Experience

Maori - Rotorua - Starting from $58.00 per person

Nestled amongst a Geothermal wonderland sits the Living Maori Village of Te Whakarewarewa.
View the spectacular landscape of geothermal pools and erupting geysers as you join in a guided tour learning of our Maori Culture, History and Traditions that have been passed down through generations.  Sit back and relax to the melodious sounds of Te Pakira Cultural performers as they serenade you with songs and dance from our people.  Tantalise your taste buds with a Hangi Pie Meal for lunch.  Our... More...

Full-Day Waitomo and Rotorua Tour from Auckland

Full-Day Waitomo and Rotorua Tour from Auckland

Day Tour - Auckland - Starting from $357.00 per person

Explore the top attractions of New Zealand’s Waikato region on this full-day Waitomo and Rotorua tour from Auckland. Travel through King’s Country to the magical Waitomo Caves with a guide, and discover millions of bright glowworms in the subterranean caverns. After lunch, explore Rotorua’s geothermal geysers and mud pools, then catch a traditional Maori performance. Experience life on a working farm or upgrade your tour to take the Skyline Gondola over Rotorua, or for a little pampering at a... More...

Private Full-Day Rotorua Tour from Auckland

Private Full-Day Rotorua Tour from Auckland

Private Tour - Auckland - Starting from $470.00 per person

Get ready to explore the amazing Rotorua. Rotorua is New Zealand's ultimate holiday destination for locals and overseas visitors. Roto means lake and Rua means two – together, Rotorua means 'Second Lake'. A dream spot for sightseeing and a region steeped in Māori legend, history and culture. On this tour you will visit famous attractions such as the Pikirangi Maori Village, Kiwi House, and the Geothermal Valley. This is a tour including a driver and we can match your ideal itinerary or you can... More...


Hairy Berry Backpacker HostelHairy Berry Backpacker Hostel - Backpacker, House Share, Student Accommodation.

"Feels like home" So come Stay & Play in the Bay... clean, friendly, relaxed... peaceful & quiet, situated between...

Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland Option to add Waimangu, Hobbiton or WhakarewareaWai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland Option to add Waimangu, Hobbiton or Whakarewarea - Thermal Spa & Hot Springs - Rotorua. Starting from $82.00 per person.

Experience a half or full-day tour from Rotorua to the Geothermal wonders that the region is famous for. Your...

 

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