Rotorua

Legend has it, this lake was once cooler. One day, a girl named Kuiarau was bathing and then a taniwha (dragon) dragged her below the lake. Angered, the gods boiled the lake so the taniwha would never return and to this day the lake and the steamy area around it is named after her. You won't miss out on geothermal activity when you're in Rotorua because it's EVERYWHERE. Seriously, you'll get a ...

If you're in Rotorua and taking a chill day, definitely check out Sulphur Point in the city centre! A quick and easy walk from the carpark, Sulphur Point is on the Southern end of Lake Rotorua and is a sulfurous area that lies on top of an active geothermal field. Find small mud pools and sulphur vents in this wildlife sanctuary and refuge while getting a good sniff of the air from a mixture of...

Geyers and hot springs and silica formations, oh my! Te Puia is the site where you can see these amazing wonders up close (but not too close!), while learning about the location history, Maori culture and scientific details.  Great experience for the adults and kids alike, and the nature walks are top notch! But be warned, it does smell a bit like sulfur :) Address: Hemo Road, Tihiotong...

Lake Tikitapu is the smallest of the mountain lakes in the Rotorua area. Take Tarawera Rd about 9 kilometers and you'll run right into it. There is a huge lawn to the right that you can park on if the lot at the shore is full.The beginning of the 5.5 kilometer trail starts on the right hand side of the lake at the base of the forest. The majority of the trail is covered with trees but there are...

Yeah, you heard right. If you don't want to take on the world's largest commercial whitewater rafting waterfall, Tutea Falls (7m), then you can take a nice and easy walk instead! (More info on rafting at the end for the interested adrenaline junkies.) Okere Falls is 20km north of Rotorua, to the east of Lake Rotorua, and right next to Lake Rotoiti on Trout Pool road off SH 33. Shortly after you...

If you are on a time crunch and can't do the whole Rainbow Mountain Summit Track, then take 30 minutes (including return) to check out these incredibly beautiful geothermal craters! The carpark will be located literally right off of State Highway 5. Look to the left if you're going south, look right if you're going north! From the carpark, take 10 minutes to walk up the track through beautiful ...

Heading to Taupo or Rotorua? Well be sure to make some time for this incredible tramp right off of SH 5 on your way there! Rainbow Mountain is a well maintained track over geothermal activities with amazing views. Give yourself 2.5 to 3 hours time and you'll be rewarded when you reach the summit. The trail starts wide and gravel and becomes clay as you ascend. If the conditions are wet, be very...

Located amidst New Zealand's vibrant volcanic zone, this favourite local gem lies approximately 29.5km (25 minutes) South of Rotorua, only a short distance before the renowned Waiotapu Geothermal Wonderland. Driving South towards Lake Taupo Kerosene Creek is situated 2km down gravel forestry track Old Waiotapu Road. While easily accessible by car, once turning left off the main highway this sho...

There are two different ends to begin the walk. The one I suggest starts at the Leslie Road Carpark, about 20 mins from Matatmata. Though the entire 5 km track is absolutely stunning, the most popular section, being the Blue Springs, is less than a ten min walk from the lot. The Blue Springs pool is absolutely out of a fantasy world. The water running through the river is the clearest and pures...