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

Full-Day Hobbiton and Rotorua Tour from Auckland

Full-Day Hobbiton and Rotorua Tour from Auckland

Day Tour - Auckland - Starting from $370.00 per person

Visit the Hobbiton Movie Set and Rotorua including sightseeing and Lunch. All sightseeing is completed by 4:30pm and you can finish at Rotorua or return to Auckland. If you are staying in Rotorua you will be dropped at your accommodation or a central location in Rotorua, before the group leaves to go back to Auckland. Our small group tours have a maximum size of 14 passengers and no minimum numbers are required.
Please note that because of the amount of travel time this tour is not suitable... 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...

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...


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...


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...



Pohutu Lodge MotelPohutu Lodge Motel - Motel.

Pohutu Lodge offers modern and updated accommodation, and is situated on the edge of the Whakarewarewa Thermal Valley....

Rotorua Highlights with Te Puia - Tauranga Shore ExcursionRotorua Highlights with Te Puia - Tauranga Shore Excursion - Ports of Call Tour - Tauranga. Starting from $99.00 per person.

The best way to experience top Tauranga destination - Rotorua!

Inc: Admission to  Te Puia...

 

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