Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland, Rotorua, New Zealand
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
Thousands of Years in the Making a Wonderland of Stunning Geothermal Activity. The technical description for this remarkable place is that it’s part of an 18-sq. km active geothermal park at the northern perimeter of the Reporoa Caldera (a collapsed volcanic crater) formed 230,000 years ago within the Taupo Volcanic Zone. The ‘wow’ factor is much in evidence at Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland, the place we love to share with visitors from all corners of the globe. Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland ‘one of the most surreal places on earth’ so naturally it’s high on the list of Rotorua’s must-see attractions. A place to marvel at nature’s artistic splendour, Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland is also committed to providing a safe visitor experience.
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Service animals allowed
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Please wear comfortable walking shoes
Waiotapu Thermal Wonderland is a cashless site. All major credit cards and EFTPOS are available.
Waiotapu Thermal Wonderland is Smoke-Free within the visitor center and geothermal park
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Guide map
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Food and drinks
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting points
End points
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
What To Expect
Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland
Visitors come to Wai-O-Tapu to marvel at the hot pools, volcanic craters and steaming fissures of this otherworldly area. Explore the natural geothermal environment on your own. Walk along well-marked paths that take you to brilliantly colored steaming pools that bubble and hiss with thermal activity. Hear a presentation given daily at 10:15am when the Lady Knox Geyser erupts. Admire the native bush along your walk. Our comprehensive guide map provided with your ticket contains a great deal of useful information about the features within the park. There are currently translations available in German, French, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Dutch, Japanese, Chinese, Korean, Russian and Czech. Expect to spend between 45-90 minutes at Wai-O Tapu with plenty of time to take great photos of the spectacular scenery. If you want to rest or grab a bite to eat, there's a cafe, souvenir shop, picnic area and lookout point near the visitor center.
Options
Admission Ticket
Duration: 2 hours
Reviews
277 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Give yourself more time to enjoy it all.
Jay B,
Aug 25, 2025
- Viator
3.00Give yourself plenty of time to enjoy the wonderland. It was a little chilly and so everything was a bit more steamy. Lady Knox was short and sharp and with such a short gush. Last time I was here she was spraying for ages. The bod on speaker summer it up "how's that for your forty five dollars" so all a bit mediocre. Id stick to the thermal park. The cafe at the park was weird the two jokers at the hot drinks took an age. Shop was awesome, really nice things in there.
The Lady Knox Geyser was a highlight.
William M,
Mar 15, 2020
- Viator
5.00We got there just in time for the Lady Knox Geyser eruption. The thermal park is well laid out and gives great opportunities for pictures.
Interesting colours
Angelique E,
Mar 13, 2020
- Viator
5.00It was a lovely walk and the colours were amazing. I wasn't prepared for the smell. This is a great place to see but not for those sensitive to smells.
Amazing
Larry B,
Mar 9, 2020
- Viator
5.00Absolutely amazing experience and excellent value for the price! The staff were very pleasant and the park was so clean.
Amazing
Matthew G,
Mar 4, 2020
- Viator
5.00It’s a must see on your adventure in New Zealnad. This was one of the better hikes and site seeing of New Zealand’s natural beauty.
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