New Zealand · GEOTHERMAL PARKS & HOT POOLS
Silica terraces, mud pools, a geyser on a schedule and water hot enough to cook in. The 15 below cover the parks worth an entry fee and the pools worth an afternoon, with prices and which ones suit small children.
Explore Wai-O-Tapu near Rotorua with full-day access to colorful hot pools, three walking trails, native bush, and the Lady Knox Geyser
“We had a wonderful morning, despite the awful weather. Everyone we spoke to was extremely helpful and friendly. Would definitely recommend a visit.”
See Hobbiton, Rotorua, and Wai-O-Tapu from Auckland in one long day, with guided visits, scenic drives, snacks, and a Green Dragon drink.
“Aled was a terrific guide - energetic and friendly even at the crack of dawn, and full of interesting info about the areas we were driving through as well as the main activities. His love for NZ and passion to share it with visitors really shines through! And the coach was comfortable. Will definitely book with Cheeky Kiwi again on future trips.”
Combine Hobbiton’s film magic with Wai-O-Tapu’s steaming craters on a 13-hour small-group tour from Auckland with transport included.
“I didn't know we as 3 adults would like the Hobiton experience as much as we did. The countryside through the entire trip was beautiful. Our hike around Rotorua made it a day to remeber.”
Review of Rotorua’s Hells Gate mud bath and sulphur spa, with practical advice on timing, cost, clothing, health rules, and what to expect.
“soak your clothes separately after this experience with lots of detergent and fabric softer. was stuck in our clothes n bathers for days”
Explore Wai-O-Tapu’s colorful hot pools, bubbling mud, volcanic craters, and Lady Knox Geyser on a flexible self-guided Rotorua visit.
“It was a very pleasant and interesting 3 hours wandering around the park. Had a cold so sulphur smell didn't both me🙂”
Soak in five mineral pools beside Lake Rotorua, then warm up on geothermal recliners at Polynesian Spa’s family-friendly bathing area.
“A brilliant experience! Very friendly and competent staff. The kayaking through the forest with the glow worms was incredible equally matched by one of the best nights for star gazing! Lots of information along the way and a little surprise half way! Thank you Lofty, Britney and Jack for a great evening.”
Soak in Rotorua’s seven Pavilion Pools, try the reflexology walk, and enjoy quiet mineral bathing for ages 12 and over.
“Really relaxing and not busy at all. Stayed a couple of hours.”
Soak in Rotorua’s mineral pools with lake views, changing rooms, recliners, and family-friendly access at Polynesian Spa’s Deluxe Lake Spa.
“Very nice facility with numerous relaxing pools and great views. Clean and sufficient locker rooms. Recommended if you need some relaxation.”
Explore Rotorua’s Hell’s Gate geothermal reserve, with boiling pools, mud volcanoes, hot waterfalls, Māori carving, and a self-guided walk.
“Self guided tour. But it was a great place. The contrast or sceneries was beautiful. A must see.”
See Rotorua’s top geothermal sites and Māori culture in one guided day, with Wai-O-Tapu, Lady Knox, Waimangu, and Te Puia included.
“Phil was a fantastic driver and tour guide. I thoroughly enjoyed the first half of the day with the visit to Wai O Tapu and Waimanga. The afternoon got a bit long and Te Puia is not really worth it in my opinion, but has nothing to do with the tour operator- everything was on time and 10/10. Would recommend just a half day trip excluding Te Puia.”
Explore Orakei Korako’s geysers, mud pools, silica terraces, and rare geothermal cave on a flexible self-guided walk near Taupo.
“Very different experience to thermal pool site previously visited. Less touristy a good alternative to the Rotarua site. Small cafe onsite but be warned no toilets on explore site. The crossover by boat provides a good view of the area. The site is Read more”
See Rotorua’s geysers, mud pools, Māori arts, kiwi conservation centre, and haka on a full-day small-group tour from Auckland.
“Our guide was excellent and made sure everyone in the group was well taken care of. The itinerary was just right, not too rushed. Thank you so much for this trip!”
Explore Orakei Korako near Taupo with a self-guided thermal walk, rare Ruatapu Cave, geysers, silica terraces, and a ferry ride.
“Had a great trip to Orakei Korako today. Everything is well organised and the setting is beautiful. Easy walking on the boards but there are a lot of steps! Fascinating to see the hot water pouring from the earth. Well worth a visit and today was quiet so you could take your time and enjoy the surroundings. Loved the ferry!”
Soak in Rotorua’s acidic and alkaline mineral pools, walk the reflexology path, and enjoy lake views with all-day Pavilion access.
“Bring your own towel if you can & leave valuables at home. Very relaxing but waters are very warm ,upto 41 degrees.”
Explore Rotorua’s living Māori village, geothermal springs, Pohutu geyser, hangi lunch, cultural show, and Tauranga’s scenic coast.
“Perfect tour from start to finish. So great to be picked up and dropped off at cruise port. Saves so much hassle. We were on a small tour of 12 people. So much better than a cruise line tour of 60 or more people. This also made it possible Read more”
Pick an island, a lake or a cave.
