Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland

Geothermal adventures await you at Wai-O-Tapu, or 'Sacred Waters'.  It's one of the earth's most natural theme parks, although you might think you're in another world, or on a different planet...

Just under 30kms from Rotorua, Wai-O-Tapu promises to show you sights you have never seen before, and can only see here!  Walking to the edge of the Champagne Pool is like walking around on Mars, such is the landscape, colour and the massive volcanic craters.

Strolling around this incredible place, steam rises from the grounds all around you.  The vibrancy of the colours formed by the sulphur and other minerals in the numerous natural water pools will have you reaching for the paintbrush.  There are bubbling mud pools, sinter terrace formations and the Lady Knox Geyser, that shoots red hot water up to 20 metres into the air - once a day, at exactly 10.15am.

Wai-O-Tapu has an extensive visitor centre, equipped with a large gift and souvenir shop, a self-service cafe, toilets, car parking and plenty of indoor and outdoor seating.

Opening Hours:

Saturday, Sunday & Monday:  8.30am - 3.00pm (last admission to the park)