Imagine walking through spiraling steam, gazing at bubbling mud pools, and enjoying a cuppa at an ancient, pristine lake. Here’s my 2-day itinerary – things to do in Rotorua for a unique otherwordly experience. We made this stop on the 5th day of our 8-day road trip across North Island, New Zealand.
Rotorua is famous for its “rotten egg” smell, which comes from hydrogen sulfide gas (H₂S). This gas is released from geothermal activity in the area, where hot water and steam rise from deep underground. The smell is especially noticeable near hot springs, mud pools, and geysers, where sulfur compounds from volcanic activity escape into the air. While it might take some getting used to, the smell is a natural part of the unique geothermal landscape.
Swipe through some of my favorite pictures.
Day 1
Wai-O-Tapu Geothermal Wonderland
Our first stop was the Wai-O-Tapu Geothermal Wonderland. After reading so much about this natural marvel, I couldn’t wait to experience it firsthand. The day was warm and sunny, so we protected ourselves from New Zealand’s strong sun. At the information center, we were given a map, and with all the spots marked, it was easy to navigate and ensure we didn’t miss any of the highlights.
Over 12 craters are located around the area at the entrance. The water temperature could be as hot as 80 degrees Celsius. I could see mud bubbling in some craters as thick steam rose from the craters. The acidic elements in the steam erode the ground causing craters to form.
The Artist’s Palette crater gets its name from the stunning colors spread across its surface. These colors are the result of various mineral deposits, such as sulfur (yellow), iron oxide (red), and silica (white), creating a natural masterpiece that looks like a painter’s palette splashed with vibrant hues. The constantly shifting water levels and geothermal activity keep the colors ever-changing.
One iconic and most popular pool is the Champaign Pool, right next to the Artist’s Palette.
Wai-O-Tapu Geothermal Wonderland is home to the famous Champagne Pool, a hot spring, that formed 700 years ago, with vibrant orange edges caused by deposits of arsenic and antimony. The constant bubbling is due to carbon dioxide, giving it the look of a giant glass of champagne.
We walked over a low bridge that went over the pool. The steam was pretty dense that day, giving the place a mystical appearance. It felt like walking through a thick fog with minimal visibility.
We came across a green pool a few meters away, called the Devil’s Bath. This unique neon-green shade comes from a combination of sulfur and ferrous salts in the water. The color can vary depending on light conditions and mineral concentration, ranging from bright green to a more yellowish hue.
The rest of the trail led us across streams, surrounded by the picturesque scenery of distant mountains and pine trees.
Hell’s Gate Geothermal Reserve
We had pre-booked a Hell’s Gate Experience in the afternoon. It included a guided geothermal tour (about 90 min), followed by sulfur and mud baths. I was excitedly looking forward to these unique experiences.
Hell’s Gate Geothermal Reserve is much bigger than Wai-O-Tapo Geothermal Wonderland with numerous bubbling and steaming pools spread across the landscape.
Some of the key craters we found at Hell’s Gate include:
Sulfur Crystal Valley – A crater-like area filled with sulfur deposits, creating a striking yellow landscape.
Sod Pool – A bubbling mud pool known for its thick, gooey mud.
Cooking Pool – Historically used by local Māori to cook food due to its high temperature.
Devil’s Cauldron – A steaming crater with scalding hot water – the cauldron’s temperature can reach up to 100°C, and the surrounding area is often covered in sulfur deposits
Inferno Pools – Extremely hot pools that are some of the most active features in the park.
This jade green pool is called Medicine Lake and is known for its healing properties. We were told that the mud in the mud-spa is collected from this pool.
After the tour, we immersed ourselves in mud baths and soaked in sulphur spas, surrounded by the raw power of geothermal wonders. The maximum time you can spend in the mud bath is 20 minutes. The mud retains the warmth and you can feel hot very quickly. After the mud spa, we cleaned ourselves in the shower and jumped into sulphur spa. I stayed there for about 10 minutes before cleaning up. The bathrooms were equipped with towels and soap.
Note: Depending on the material, the rotten smell of sulphur seeps into clothes and it can be very hard to eliminate the odor. Wear old clothes or hire swimwear from the reserve. I could still smell Rotorua in my white t-shirt. Talk about souvenirs huh!
Redwood Forest Nightlights
As the evening descended we decided to venture into the Redwood Forest for a captivating experience in the dark. The forest transforms into a realm of enchantment under the nightlights. The Redwoods Nightlights is along the Redwoods Treewalk, suspended up to 20 meters (65 feet) above the forest floor. This enchanting nighttime walk through the treetops features 28 suspension bridges and platforms, all illuminated with stunning lanterns and lighting designs, creating a magical atmosphere high among the towering redwoods. We walked along the illuminated trail of about 700m, which took around 30-40 min to complete.
NOTE: Beware of queues. We had to wait over an hour to start the walk. Please book in advance.
Day 2
After breakfast, we checked out of the hotel early and headed towards Redwood Forest again. We had planned to drive to Mount Paku that day, but before that, we wished to explore the forest in the daylight.
Redwood Forest Walk
The forest looked straight out of a painting. The morning light filtering through the canopy creates a magical ambiance. We went for a short walk along the well-maintained path, admiring the tall trees, and capturing those moments in our cameras and our hearts.
A fun fact about the Redwood Forest in Rotorua is that these towering giants aren’t native to New Zealand! The Californian Coastal Redwoods, standing as some of the world’s tallest trees, were introduced to this region as an experimental forestry project in the early 1900s. Initially planted to assess their timber potential, these majestic trees found an ideal habitat in Rotorua’s climate and soil, thriving and creating an otherworldly forest that captivates visitors with its towering canopies and serene ambiance. Today, these non-native redwoods have become a cherished part of Rotorua’s landscape, offering a unique experience for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Although the direction of the Lakes was opposite to our next destination, my heart my set on visiting the pristine Lakes in Rotorua.
Blue Lake – Lake Tikitapu
We first stopped by a lake rightly called Blue Lake or Lake Tikitapu. The sight of azure water shimmering in the sunlight looked so inviting that we decided to park our car and sit by the lakeside. My son insisted on taking out his ‘Diggers and Road rollers‘ and immediately made himself comfortable at the shore, playing in the sand amidst a flock of ducks. The lakeside was incredibly beautiful and peaceful. I soaked in the picturesque scenery, admiring the beauty of nature.
Green Lake
Just a short distance away is Lake Rotokākahi (Green Lake) which means the lake of the shellfish kakahi. It has a contrasting green color due to its shallow depth and sandy bottom. The lake is sacred to Maori, therefore no swimming, fishing, or boating is permitted.
The Blue Lake and Green Lake are side by side, offering a unique color contrast.
Lake Tarawera
A fun fact about Lake Tarawera is that it sits at the base of Mount Tarawera, an active volcano that famously erupted in 1886. The eruption reshaped the landscape and buried the legendary Pink and White Terraces, once considered the “Eighth Wonder of the World.”
We stopped at the Landing Cafe, right next to the jetty. We didn’t wait long to order a cup of hot chocolate, snacks, and ice creams, and sat by the lakeside, enjoying the serene view of the 5000-year-old lake.
I was surprised to see this amphibious WWII landing craft, which I later found can be hired to tour the Lake District. It was quite fascinating to watch a boat turn into a 4-wheel vehicle.
Rotorua is a symphony of natural marvels and cultural richness. I experienced so many unique things in Rotorua that by the end of two days, I wished I had planned a few more days here. Hopefully, I will come back again to explore this beautiful land.
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You really should work on a coffee table book of your travels. The pictures (as well as the landscape, of course) are beautiful.
Thank you. I hope I get to it one day 😄