Frequented by visitors all throughout the year Rotorua’s geothermal sites juts may be the country’s most visited tourist attractions to date. Having occupied the environs for centuries these steaming natural formations consist of piping hot mud pools, geysers, scoffing craters and a wide variety of hot springs. Derived from a Greek term the word “geothermal” combines the Greek word for earth (geo) and therme (heat source) to denote the cauldron hot natural formations. A natural wonder in every sense of the term geothermal sites display the mesmerizing power of nature to mould multi colored lichens, salt formations and moss that seamlessly occupy a location also infested with lush foliage, stunning lakes and productive soil of varying colors. As geographical anomalies the geothermal sites in Rotorua also boast mineral structures and silicate formations that were formed due to centuries of volcanic activity. Despite the destruction what remains is largely a work of art that comprises of naturally formed valleys, terraces and lakes that are simply awe-inspiring in shape.
Hell’s Gate or Tikitere is of course Rotorua’s most violent geothermal area renowned for simmering whirl pools of well-documented ferocity. Another highlight at Tikitere is the most expansive hot waterfall in the entirety of the southern hemisphere which is a captivating to say the least. The largest geyser in New Zealand however is found in Whakarewarewa which boasts an impressive 500 hot springs within its confines. As one of the few occupied geothermal areas in the country visitors will be surprised to meet Maori villagers who live alongside Rotorua’s biggest geyser.
Other points of geothermal interest include the Waiotapu Thermal Wonderland, home to the Champagne Pool and other vibrant volcanic formations and Waimangu where multi-hued lakes formed after the historic eruption of Tarawera Mountain nearly a century ago. The Orakei Korako Hidden Valley is another must-see thermal attraction as the site which was featured in Walking with Dinosaurs is also a Lonely Planet hot pick thermal site that has been described as nothing less than world class.
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