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

Waitomo Caves and Rotorua Day Trip from Auckland

Waitomo Caves and Rotorua Day Trip from Auckland

Day Tour - Auckland - Starting from $336.00 per person

See all the highlights of the Waitomo Caves and Rotorua in one day. You'll take a guided tour of Waitomo Caves stalactites and glowworms, and see Rotorua's bubbling mud pools and geysers, and make many other interesting stops along the way. You have the option to end your tour in Rotorua or return to Auckland.

Special Offer - Book and travel by 31 October 2018 to save 10% off our previously offered price on the Return to Auckland option! - Book... More...


Hobbiton Movie Set and Rotorua's Geothermal Valley Tour departing Auckland

Hobbiton Movie Set and Rotorua's Geothermal Valley Tour departing Auckland

Movie Tour - Auckland - Starting from $365.00 per person

Visit the top two destinations in New Zealand in one amazing day trip!
Experience the real Middle-earth in a 2 hour fully guided tour inside the Hobbiton Movie Set, take photo's inside The Hobbit Holes & taste the locally brewed cider or beer in The Green Dragon Inn.
Then head to Rotorua where you will visit Te Puia & Whakarewarewa Geothermal Valley, where you'll come face to face with the largest Geyser in the Southern Hemisphere, jumping mudpools, and live kiwi birds, and hear our Maori... More...

Half-Day Self-Guided Mountain Bike Journey through Whakarewarewa Redwood Forest

Half-Day Self-Guided Mountain Bike Journey through Whakarewarewa Redwood Forest

Mountain Bike Rental - Rotorua - Starting from $45.00 per person

Enjoy a 4-hour self-guided mountain bike ride through Rotorua’s spectacular Whakarewarewa Redwood Forest, located just 5-minutes from the city centre. With over 160 kilometers of twisting and turning mountain bike trails it's no wonder that this has quickly become one of the top riding trail networks in the world. This world famous mountain bike forest caters for all abilities, all year round due to its vast variety of trails and mild temperate climate. Hire a bike and go for a self-guided... More...


Shore Excursion Rotorua, Tauranga Mt Maunganui Maori Culture Geysers & Mudpools

Shore Excursion Rotorua, Tauranga Mt Maunganui Maori Culture Geysers & Mudpools

Maori - Te Puke - Starting from $149.00 per person

Sit back and enjoy this tour with a local guide and discover Tauranga, Mount Maunganui and Rotorua. See all the local highlights and visit the stunning Geothermal area at Whakarewarewa Rotorua, immerse yourself in Maori culture and see the stunning Pohutu Geyser and bubbling mud pools plus the magnificent Concert including a Maori challenge and Cultural performance including song and dance plus the rousing " Haka"
Plus much more ....
* Tauranga & Mt Maunganui overview , stunning Beaches... More...

Deluxe Rotorua Shore Excursion: Geothermal Valley, Geysers, Redwood Forest Including Lunch

Deluxe Rotorua Shore Excursion: Geothermal Valley, Geysers, Redwood Forest Including Lunch

Ports of Call Tour - Tauranga - Starting from $162.50 per person

THIS IS A SMALL GROUP TOUR AND INCLUDES ALL OF YOUR ENTRANCE FEES AND TWO COURSE LUNCH!

We will meet you at the port gates and board one of our modern 2017/2018 small group minivans, being a small group allows us to move about more efficiently to enjoy a more personal and friendly tour.

Explore the Living Maori Village, where you'll hear from a local descendant about Maori history, customs, and craft traditions.  Discover and experience a truly... More...



Rotorua Delight - Rotorua Holiday Home - Holiday Home.

Situated in Rotorua, 1.2 km from Te Puia and 2.9 km from Tamaki Maori Village, Rotorua Delight - Rotorua Holiday Home...

Te Puia Maori Cultural Tour and Steambox LunchTe Puia Maori Cultural Tour and Steambox Lunch - Lunch - Rotorua. Starting from $108.00 per person.

“How would you like that cooked?” will never sound the same after lunch in Te Whakarewarewa Geothermal Valley. Enjoy a...

 

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