Whakarewarewa Geothermal Area - Whakarewarewa Rotorua New Zealand. Maori village, geyers, hot pools and mud pools. Pohutu Geyser.
Hot pools at Whakarewarewa, Rotorua

Whakarewarewa

Incorporating the magnificence of the geothermal landscape and the unique experience of a traditional Maori village, Whakarewarewa is a place of natural wonder and spiritual significance. 500 hot springs and 65 geyser vents are set among the distinctly colourful sinter terraces and pools that make up Whakarewarewa Thermal Valley. Only three kilometres from Rotorua, it is an extremely popular tourism destination.


Hot springs at Whakarewarewa, Rotorua

Pohutu Geyser

Whakarewarewa is home of the largest geyser in New Zealand: the mighty Pohutu Geyser erupts up to 15 times a day and shoots hot water around 30 meters (100 feet) skywards. Pohutu means "big splash" or "explosion". Each geyser in the Whakarewarewa area has its own name.

This spectacular display of nature's power was put under threat as its geothermal resource was tapped into for domestic and commercial heating. Fortunately for Pohutu and for the thousands of tourists both national and international who come to see it every year, the local government closed these drains in the late 1980's and today Pohutu and its fellow geysers are well on the way to their original majesty.


Te Puia

Whakarewarewa is known as the Living Thermal Village. Maori have lived at this site for 700 years, and today it is home to the New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute, the guardian-place of Maori arts, crafts and culture.

At the heart of Whakarewarewa is the Pa, a Maori village where you may roam among the whares (traditional carved houses) and marvel at how the indigenous peoples of New Zealand lived not so very long ago. Daily guided tours provide a glimpse into how the Maori of this region lived in harmony with the abundantly resourceful geothermal environment.


Maori performance at Whakarewarewa, Rotorua

The Whakarewarewa Experience

Be entertained and awed by the traditional Maori cultural performances incorporating melodious voice, stimulating movement and respect of the land and their ancestors. Truly moving and divinely unique, the Whakarewarewa experience is not to be missed.

Having had your fill of the sights, the sounds and the aromas, relax at the cafe and enjoy corn on the cob cooked fresh in the steaming waters of the hot springs or try a traditional Hangi meal, cooked in a pit of hot stones and layers of flax and earth. What could be closer to an authentic Maori experience!



See a complete list of Whakarewarewa activities.

This week's featured activities in Whakarewarewa are:

Featured Activities

Hobbiton, Rotorua and Waitomo Caves Day Trip

Hobbiton, Rotorua and Waitomo Caves Day Trip

Day Tour - Auckland - Starting from $440.00 per person

Experience this exciting tour including  Hobbiton which is perfect for anyone looking to add a little fantasy to their holiday. You will visit three amazing destinations in one day. This tour will bring you to the movie set in Hobbiton, where you will be swept away into the world of The Hobbit. After that you will travel to Rotorua and spend approximately 1.5 hours while enjoying lunch and visiting the  Thermal Valley at Te Puia,  before leaving Rotorua, to travel to Waitomo to visit the... More...

Rotorua Whakarewarewa Culture Experience with Free Hangi Lunch Included

Rotorua Whakarewarewa Culture Experience with Free Hangi Lunch Included

Ports of Call Tour - Tauranga - Starting from $150.00 per person

You will be met  and collected from outside the Port of Tauranga wharf gates and taken for a sight seeing journey to Rotorua
First we will travel past the Mt Maunganui beaches,stop for a photo and then travel towards Rotorua, but stopping at Te Puke (The Kiwifruit Capital of the world) where we will visit a Kiwifruit orchard.
Continuing on through the Pine tree forests to Rotorua where we go to Whakarewarewa, 'Rotorua's Living Maori Village'
. Included 
*Guided tour of the... More...

Guided Tauranga Shore Excursion to Rotorua Whakarewarewa and Wai-O-Tapu

Guided Tauranga Shore Excursion to Rotorua Whakarewarewa and Wai-O-Tapu

Ports of Call Tour - Rotorua - Starting from $199.00 per person

Visit Wai-O-Tapu to see why TripAdvisor says it is "One of the 20 Most SURREAL Places in the World" and why it is considered to be New Zealand's most colorful and diverse geothermal sightseeing attraction. You will take a slow amble to see this unique geothermal landscape sculptured out of volcanic activity over thousands of years and take time to view the world famous Lady Knox Geyser which erupts each day at around 10:15am.
After a lunch at the Wai-O-Tapu cafe you will take a short drive... More...

Tauranga Shore Excursion: Rotorua Geothermal Geyser Tour and Polynesian Spa Combo Including Lunch

Tauranga Shore Excursion: Rotorua Geothermal Geyser Tour and Polynesian Spa Combo Including Lunch

Ports of Call Tour - Tauranga - Starting from $199.00 per person

Join us on a luxury journey of discovery with this full-day combo tour from Tauranga. This tour is conducted in a small group mini van/bus 2017/18 vehicle with full UV protection tinted glass and dual air conditioning.

Experience geysers, mud pools and steam vents with Maori culture! Not to forget the infamous Haka War dance. This is performed by one of Rotorua's leading Maori cultural performance groups. Encounter a strange landscape of sights, sounds and smells. Marvel at the... More...


Shore Excursion Port Tauranga to Rotorua

Shore Excursion Port Tauranga to Rotorua

Ports of Call Tour - Tauranga - Starting from $1250.00 per person

This tour is ideal for family groups or friends travelling together who may want to do different things in Rotorua or be free to visit other venues such as the famous Waitomo Glow Worm caves.
Maximum vehicle size for groups is 15. Your tour departs from the end of the wharf and you will be dropped of there at the end of the day in plenty of time to board your ship. More...


Country Villa Estate - Bed and Breakfast.

Set amongst beautiful gardens and farmland, Country Villa offers a tranquil escape. Guests enjoy the convenience of...

Full-Day Waitomo and Rotorua Tour from AucklandFull-Day Waitomo and Rotorua Tour from Auckland - Day Tour - Ngongotaha. Starting from $357.00 per person.

Explore the top attractions of New Zealand’s Waikato region on this full-day Waitomo and Rotorua tour from Auckland....

 

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