Geothermal wonders and living Maori tradition
Rotorua
Rotorua · Geysers, hot springs and Maori culture
GeothermalMaori cultureSpa
Rotorua sits atop a bubbling geothermal field where geysers erupt, mud pools plop and the air carries a sulfur tang. It’s also the heartland of Maori culture, with hangi feasts and living villages open to visitors.
Top sightsSights
01
Te Puia
The Pohutu geyser and a Maori arts institute.
02
Wai-O-Tapu
Vivid geothermal pools and the Champagne Pool.
03
Redwoods forest
Towering redwoods with a treetop walkway.
04
Maori village
A cultural evening with a hangi earth-oven feast.
05
Polynesian Spa
Lakeside hot mineral pools.
What to eatFood
Hangi
Meat and vegetables steamed in an earth oven.
Steamed corn
Corn cooked in natural geothermal steam.
Manuka honey
A prized New Zealand honey.
Good to know
- A cultural hangi evening is the highlight — book ahead.
- The sulfur smell fades quickly as you get used to it.
- Combine geothermal parks with the redwoods in one day.
Getting there
Rotorua is about 3 hours’ drive from Auckland, or a short flight (ROT).
Next city
Auckland