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
Translations
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Food and drinks
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting points
Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland
201 Waiotapu Loop Road, Rd 3 Rotorua New Zealand
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
321 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
An outer world experience.
NorthStar50869240774,
Dec 5, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The thermal wonderland is aptly named! It never disappoints with beautiful colours and amazing scenes. Definitely something to put on your bucket list! We really enjoyed the warm hospitality, delicious food and awesome giftshop.
Stunning geothermal park!
E2048CJroses,
Dec 4, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The colours of the Champagne Pool and Devil’s Bath are incredible, and the walking tracks are easy and well marked. Fascinating, other-worldly scenery and great photo spots everywhere. A must-see Rotorua attraction.
Great experience and...
Merissa H,
Dec 3, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Great experience and value. The area is well maintained and taken care of. Would definitely recommend to others.
Great exploration
Dolores C,
Dec 2, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00We enjoyed our time in the thermal park. So much to see! The walk was moderate, some places were more uneven and rocky with lots of steps, others were flat and shaded. Bring water and a hat for the sun! We did all three loops and it did take us right about 90 minutes as the park suggested.
Dumb, contrived and Would NOT recommend
412Mama,
Dec 1, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00A contrived event that I would have skipped had I known it was park ranger induced (with soap). Very very disappointing (especially since I missed th opportunity to hike Tongariro Alpine Crossing in the last nice day before heavy rains hit the area!). Would NOT, I repeat NOT, recommend.
Great deal getting ticket...
Jo L,
Nov 30, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Great deal getting ticket from Viator. Enjoy the trip. Highly recommended place for visit in Rotorua.
Must do in Rotorua
Leanne2504,
Nov 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Great experience to better understand the geology of thermal volcanic regions. The paths were easy and clearly marked with a variety of pools and phenomena to view. Don’t worry too much if you miss the Lady Knox Geyser as its rather pathetic in comparison to others around.
A Phenomenal Geothermal Experience!
V3354XDgloriab,
Nov 25, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was one of the most interesting self-guided tours I’ve ever experienced! And, the Lady Knox Geyser was spectacular.
Great variety of thermal landscape
Louisa B,
Nov 24, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Watched lady knox geyser erupt then did a short walk around the park. Very colourful thermal pools..
Meh thermal experience
Janae B,
Nov 22, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
3.00So so for us. We are lucky enough to have been to Yellowstone and honestly this place was just disappointing compared to that. Fairly crowded. Well marked trails. A few things were interesting but I would personally skip.
From NZ$47.00
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