Waiotapu Travel Guide

Explore Waiotapu

Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland

Just a short drive from the busy city is one of the most fascinating areas of geothermal activity in New Zealand.

Waimangu Volcanic Valley

Shaped by the force of nature less than 150 years ago, this picturesque valley is rich in geothermic activity, rare plant life and challenging walking trails.

Buried Village

Entombed by the eruption of a brutal volcano, this historic village has been perfectly preserved for more than 100 years.

Lake Rotokakahi

With stunning views and a serene atmosphere, it is easy to understand why this lake is regarded as sacred by the local Maori.

Lake Tikitapu

Explore one of the region’s most beautiful lakes and relax on the beach beside the sparkling water.

Lake Tarawera

Fish for rainbow trout, swim at a beach with hot spring water and hike to waterfalls set amid majestic scenery at this vast, intense-blue lake.

Lake Tarawera

Not just a pretty face, Lake Tarawera also has a great personality.

Lake Okareka

On the hunt for treasures off the beaten track? Lake Okareka is where it’s at.

Redwoods Whakarewarewa Forest

Walk, cycle or ride a horse through this picturesque forest filled with a magnificent array of trees from around the world.

Mount Tarawera

Casting an imposing shadow over the Rotorua region, this colossal volcano is responsible for one of the most devastating eruptions ever to occur in New Zealand.

Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve

Learn about geothermal activity and how the Maori people have been living in these intense surroundings for hundreds of years.

Te Puia New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute

Discover more about the Maori people and the traditional arts and crafts that are integral to their culture.

Orakei Korako Geothermal Park and Cave

Walk through a volcanic landscape to see large silica terraces, mud pools and the only geothermal cave in New Zealand.

Polynesian Spa

Set among the serene Government Gardens on the shores of Lake Rotorua, these hot pools are an idyllic place to relax and unwind.

Rotorua

A whole lot of heaven and a little bit of hell, Rotorua does nature like nowhere else on Earth.

Government Gardens

Admire pretty roses and exquisite sculptures, relax at luxurious spas and discover the region’s remarkable history.

Kuirau Park

Family-friendly and easily accessible, this Rotorua park is home to a collection of geothermic vents and a weekly flea market.

Tama-te-Kapua Meeting House

See where British royalty met with Māori leaders in this traditional village of Ohinemutu as you visit this historic meetinghouse.

Ohinemutu

At this interesting heritage village beside Lake Rotorua see a traditional Māori meeting house, including an unusual church, and experience modern-day Māori life.

St. Faith's Anglican Church

At the heart of the traditional Māori village of Ohinemutu you’ll discover a small wooden church adorned with intricate carvings.

Skyline Rotorua

Take in the splendid scenery during a gondola ride and jump in a luge cart to navigate your way down the exciting mountain track.

Rainbow Springs Kiwi Wildlife Park

Learn about New Zealand’s most famous bird as you explore this comprehensive wildlife park, complete with a lake full of trout and walk through aviaries.

Mitai Maori Village

For a great insight into Māori customs and way of life, sign up for this magical, entertaining and educational cultural experience.

Lake Rotorua

One of the largest lakes on the North Island, this location offers an abundance of exciting activities as well as a fascinating geological and cultural history.

Mokoia Island

Accessible only on a guided tour, this small island at the centre of Lake Rotorua is rich in native birdlife and Māori history and culture.

Agrodome

Breathe in the fresh country air and interact with an array of adorable animals at this working farm.

Zorb

Rolling down a grassy hill inside a giant inflatable ball is one of the most unusual and most entertaining ways to pass your time in Rotorua.

Lake Rotoiti

Getting to the water’s edge is a bit tricky here, but a little bit of pain is worth all the gain of seeing Lake Rotoiti’s unspoiled nature.

Aratiatia Rapids

The power of nature is unleashed when dam gates open and a torrent of water surges along the riverbed.

Hamurana Springs

Walk beneath giant redwoods beside an enchanting stream to the fast-flowing source of these idyllic springs whose crystal-clear water is many stunning shades of blue and green.

Wairakei Terraces & Thermal Health Spa

Soak in these mineral-infused hot springs to truly immerse yourself in the Māori traditions and incredible scenery of the Taupo region.

Wairakei

While an unlikely holiday destination at first sight, Wairakei’s powerful natural features can sooth the soul.

Okere Falls

Only 20 minutes from Rotorua CBD, there’s a little pocket of nature with water to wow at.

Huka Falls

Whether viewing from a boat, bridge or the riverbank, this set of waterfalls is a spectacular sight as a huge body of water surges forward and downward.

Where to stay in Waiotapu

Novotel Rotorua Lakeside

9-11 Tutanekai StP O Box 348, P O Box 348

Rated 4.3 / 5 by Guests

This family-friendly Rotorua hotel is located in a shopping district, just steps from Matariki Hangi & Maori Cultural Performance and Eat Street. Rotorua Night Market and Sir Howard Morrison Performing Arts Centre are also within 10 minutes.

Millennium Hotel Rotorua

1270 Hinemaru Street

Rated 4.2 / 5 by Guests

This family-friendly Rotorua hotel is located near the boardwalk, just steps from Rotorua Arts Village and Tamaki Maori Village. Rotorua Central Mall and Rotorua Night Market are also within 10 minutes.

Sudima Lake Rotorua

1000 Eruera Street

Rated 3.9 / 5 by Guests

Located in the heart of Rotorua, this eco-friendly hotel is within a 5-minute walk of Polynesian Spa and Tamaki Maori Village. Redwoods Whakarewarewa Forest and Skyline Rotorua are also within 6 mi (10 km).

Jet Park Hotel Rotorua

237 Fenton StreetCorner Victoria Street, Corner Victoria Street

Rated 4.2 / 5 by Guests

This family-friendly Rotorua hotel is located in a shopping district, within a 10-minute walk of Rotorua Central Mall, Tamaki Maori Village, and Sir Howard Morrison Performing Arts Centre. Rotorua Arts Village and Rotorua i-SITE Visitor Centre are also within 10 minutes.

Holiday Inn Rotorua, an IHG Hotel

10 Tryon Street, Whakarewarewa

Rated 4.3 / 5 by Guests

This family-friendly Whakarewarewa hotel is steps from Whakarewarewa Hot Springs and Whakarewarewa: The Living Maori Village. Rotorua Golf Club and Te Puia New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute are also within 15 minutes.

ibis Rotorua

Lake End Rangiuru StreetPo Box 348, Po Box 348

Rated 4.2 / 5 by Guests

Located in the heart of Rotorua, this eco-friendly hotel is within a 5-minute walk of Eat Street, Matariki Hangi & Maori Cultural Performance, and Rotorua Hospital. Tama-te-Kapua Meeting House and St. Faith's Anglican Church are also within 10 minutes.

Rydges Rotorua

272 Fenton St

Rated 4.1 / 5 by Guests

Located in Fenton Street, this luxury hotel is within a 15-minute walk of Racing Rotorua and Whakarewarewa Hot Springs. Rotorua Central Mall and Rotorua Arts Village are also within 1 mi (2 km).

Lake Rotorua Hotel

131 Lake RoadKoutu, Koutu

Rated 3.7 / 5 by Guests

Located in Koutu, this eco-friendly motel is within 2 mi (3 km) of Rotorua Hospital, Rotorua Central Mall, and Tamaki Maori Village. Skyline Rotorua and Polynesian Spa are also within 2 mi (3 km).

Silver Fern Accommodation & Spa

326 Fenton Street

Rated 4.7 / 5 by Guests

Located in Fenton Street, this spa motel is within 1 mi (2 km) of Tamaki Maori Village and Redwoods Whakarewarewa Forest. Rotorua Night Market and Rotorua Hospital are also within 3 mi (5 km).

Accolade Lodge Motel

30-32 Victoria St

Rated 4.0 / 5 by Guests

Located in Victoria, this motel is within a 15-minute walk of Rotorua Central Mall, Rotorua Night Market, and Rotorua Arts Village. Tamaki Maori Village and Sir Howard Morrison Performing Arts Centre are also within 15 minutes.

Apollo Hotel Rotorua

7 Tryon Street, Whakarewarewa

Rated 4.0 / 5 by Guests

Situated in Whakarewarewa, this motel is steps from Whakarewarewa Hot Springs and Whakarewarewa: The Living Maori Village. Rotorua Golf Club and Te Puia New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute are also within 15 minutes.

Emerald Spa Motor Inn

286 Fenton Street

Rated 4.3 / 5 by Guests

Located in Fenton Street, this motel is within a 10-minute walk of Racing Rotorua and Whakarewarewa Hot Springs. Rotorua Golf Club and Rotorua Central Mall are also within 1 mi (2 km).

Wotif's insider tips for Waiotapu

Type:

A spot to get in touch with nature

Perfect for:

Eco travellers, The hard to impress, Outdoor types

This somewhat hidden swimming spot under a small bridge just outside the Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Park has a cold stream alongside a hot spring, where you can wade in to find the perfect spot with the exact temperature that suits you. Wear your bathers, bring some drinks and a towel and spend a few hours here with your family or friends for a real Thermal experience near Rotorua that is free of charge!

Barbara, 44.

Learn more about Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland

Waiotapu

We’re putting the challenge out there: visit Wai-O-Tapu and see how quickly your photos of this Thermal Wonderland become your desktop wallpaper.

Explore Waiotapu

Lake Tarawera

Lake Okareka

Rotorua

Ohinemutu

Mokoia Island

Wairakei

Okere Falls

Where to stay in Waiotapu

Novotel Rotorua Lakeside

Millennium Hotel Rotorua

Sudima Lake Rotorua

Jet Park Hotel Rotorua

Holiday Inn Rotorua, an IHG Hotel

ibis Rotorua

Rydges Rotorua

Lake Rotorua Hotel

Silver Fern Accommodation & Spa

Accolade Lodge Motel

Apollo Hotel Rotorua

Emerald Spa Motor Inn

Wotif's insider tips for Waiotapu

Cities near Waiotapu

Rotorua

Wairakei

Okere Falls

Taupo