Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland: A NZ Must-Do

Wai o Tapu (Māori for sacred waters) is 30km south of Rotorua on the SH5 the road you take towards Taupo this is a tourist attraction that is worth stopping in on! It is a New Zealand Must do!

It is regularly rated one of the top geothermal parks in New Zealand, and it is easy to see why.

Entry is best booked online for the current rate (it has risen since we visited). There are three fairly flat loop walks, and you can cover the best bits in under two hours, literally everywhere you turn it is truly spectacular! Look out for the Champagne Pool, The Primrose Terraces, Artist’s Palette and The Devil’s Bath (all clearly labelled) We were told by a local we met to go early as it can get extremely busy.

At 10:15am each morning in the park they set the Lady Knox Geyser off for an eruption that is almost 20 metres high and can last for an hour! How? Well I won’t give the game away, just go and see for yourself! We decided to listen to the local we met the evening before and went to the park as soon as it had opened (at 8:30am) the car park was empty we parked right at the front and the park was very peaceful!

After the visit to the park we jumped into the car and got directed to another part of the reserve to visit the Lady Knox! The viewing platform was full of people! Yes it is slightly cheesy but good fun to watch and all we could think after was gosh how right was the local! The park was bound to be full of people as they all queued up and headed into the park!

To find out what else you can do in Rotorua whilst you are in the region check out our Travel Guide.

You really do have to see it to believe it, but here are a few snaps to inspire you!

Can you spot me?!

Champagne Pool, Yes it really is that orange!

Mud Pools of Wai O Tapu Reserve

Lady Knox Geyser

The Devil’s Bath, yes it really is that green!

Top Tip: If you need to find somewhere to stay when you visit then we highly recommend booking your accommodation in advance, it’s important not to underestimate how busy NZ gets between September and March each year. We suggest checking BookaBach for private homes you won’t always find on Airbnb, and your usual booking site for current availability of motels, hotels and guest houses in the area.

Frequently asked questions

How much does Wai-O-Tapu cost?

Prices have risen since we visited, so book online for the current adult and child rates. It is well worth it for a couple of hours among the geysers and coloured pools.

What time does the Lady Knox Geyser erupt?

Once a day at 10:15am, when it is set off for a 10 to 20 metre eruption. Get there early for a spot, or head straight into the main park first while everyone else queues for the geyser, as we did.

How long do you need at Wai-O-Tapu?

About two hours covers the three loop walks and the highlights: the Champagne Pool, Artist’s Palette and the electric-green Devil’s Bath.

Is Wai-O-Tapu worth visiting?

Yes. It is one of the most colourful, surreal geothermal parks in the country and an easy 30-minute drive from Rotorua. Pair it with our things to do in Rotorua guide and the free geothermal spots nearby.