Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland

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Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland is a geothermal reserve, 30km south of Rotorua (on the road to Taupo), that is home to an impressive array of thermal wonders including volcanic craters and bubbling mud pools. Highlights include the huge Champagne Pool and Lady Knox Geyser, which erupts daily at 10.15am. There is a good choice of walking trails through the geothermal area.

There is a good choice of walking trails through the geothermal area and it is worth allowing around three hours for your visit so you can do several of the walks.


Our address

Address:
201 Waiotapu Loop Road, Rotorua 3073
Telephone (07) 366 6333
Website waiotapu.co.nz
Admission $32.50
    Open Jan–Mar 8.30am–6pm daily (last entry 4.45pm); Apr–Oct 8.30am–5pm daily (last admission 3.45pm); Nov–Dec 8.30am–6pm daily (last entry 4.45pm)

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    There are 29 comments from Foursquare

  • Nikhil, 16 Nov 2023


    Walk it all!!

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  • Nikhil, 16 Nov 2023


    Make sure to do all three loops and if on a sunny day, you can hear many birds too while enjoying the amazing geothermal stuff.

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  • Pornrapee, 22 Feb 2020


    Very colorful mud and hot pool, must see!

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  • Noah, 13 Jan 2020


    Insane geothermal playground, perfect for a 2hr walkabout

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  • Monica, 13 Jan 2020


    Worth a visit en route to Taupo - lots of varied geothermal pools and an early am geyser

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  • Dan, 31 Dec 2019


    Cool park with good variety of formations. Definitely skip Lady Knox geyser, it's total scam joke.

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  • Nurin, 21 Jan 2019


    come see one of the wonders of newzealand’s volcanic activity

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  • Kateryna, 07 May 2018


    О как).. и мертвое может жить

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  • Tcy, 04 Dec 2016


    A beautiful place,very shocking visual

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  • Lee, 14 Nov 2016


    This was an amazing experience. Felt like you are visiting another planet

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  • Roana, 06 Oct 2016


    An interesting experience to see the different craters, pools, and colours. Smelly at times but not all the way. There are 3 routes to choose from - the longest walk taking about 1hr 45 mins.

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  • Charles, 12 Apr 2016


    Geologists give talks at various times around the park - ask at the visitor center when and where as they are short and really interesting!

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  • Maak, 07 Jan 2016


    Thermal scenery

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  • Vikash, 07 Jan 2015


    An amazing 3km walk around some of nature's most amazing spectacles. Highly recommend

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  • Norman, 29 Nov 2014


    Geyser blows at 10:15am

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  • Ruben Garcia, 31 Oct 2014


    The park is great to visit, but don't waste money and time on the 10.15's geyser

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  • Silveraine, 07 Oct 2014


    Don't miss this place... Fabulous scenery and beautiful Mother Nature.

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  • Jas, 13 Aug 2014


    Not to be missed: the lady Knox Geyser and the amazing Champagne Pool, orange and green.

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  • Simon, 24 Mar 2014


    The Lady Knox Geyser is worth seeing. As is the mud pool you pass on the way to Wait-O-Tapu.

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  • Lizzy, 18 Jan 2014


    having been to both I personally think I waimangu is more impressive and better to visit (gentle downhill walk and then bus back to the top :)

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  • Danny, 07 Dec 2013


    Bring brolly. Or at least a cap

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  • Phil, 12 Sep 2013


    Truly a worthwhile experience, I wonder how thin the earth's crust is here? How far down to magma?

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  • Phil, 12 Sep 2013


    Don't swim here its probably fatal.

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  • Daniel, 15 Jul 2013


    Pretty amazing landscapes and sights. Champagne Lake and Devil's Bath (green pool) are a photographer's dream.

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  • Kim, 26 Jun 2013


    Thoroughly recommend this place. Beautiful and fascinating.

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  • Giulia, 25 Apr 2012


    beautiful park but better to go with your own car. Tours don't let you stay more than 75 min. Too short for this stunning park

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  • Spandy, 02 Apr 2012


    Smells like my girlfriends farts.

      Liked 5 times.  
  • Troy, 20 Nov 2011


    Wear comfortable closed shoes. Probably not for People pushing prams.

      Liked 1 times.  
  • Taupo, 17 Feb 2010


    At 10.15am each day the Lady Knox Geyser provides a unique opportunity to see a geyser in eruption to heights of 10 to 20 metres.

      Liked 2 times.