Rotorua is located in the Bay of Plenty region in the North Island of New Zealand and has become well known for its geothermal wonders.
TE PUIA
Hemo Rd PO Box 334,
Rotorua 3040,
New Zealand
http://www.tepuia.com/new-zealand/
Te Puia is home to Pohutu Geyser – the largest and most reliable geyser in the Southern Hemisphere. The “Pohutu” (meaning splashing water in Māori) Geyser erupts once or twice and hour, getting up to 100 feet in height! A sight well worth waiting for!
At Te Puia, you can also see New Zealand’s national icon up close. The Kiwi are a flightless nocturnal bird whom which have become endangered. Years ago there were millions but today we have fewer than 100,000.
Throughout Te Puia, you will encounter bubbling mud, steaming ground, and the chance discover the work and methods of traditional Māori woodcarvers and weavers at their National Carving and Weaving School.
Guided tours (90 minutes) are available every hour from 9am onwards.
WAI-O-TAPU GEOTHERMAL WONDERLAND
201 Waiotapu Loop Road
RD 3, Rotorua 3073
New Zealand
http://www.waiotapu.co.nz/
Located 27 kilometres south of Rotorua, Wai-o-tapu (meaning sacred waters in Māori) is a geothermal wonderland home to some very unique features.
On the top of the list you will find the ‘Champagne Pool’. This feature got it’s name by the copious amounts of carbon dioxide present, similar to a glass of bubbling champagne. The vibrant colours around the edge of the 700 year old hot spring are formed due to deposition of minerals in the water.
Other features include giant craters, steaming ground, bubbling mud, geysers, native bush walks and plenty more.
Three self-guided walks have been created throughout the geothermal area where you can literally walk amongst the thermal sights.
Where Kate Resides 