Distinctive features of Rotorua noticed immediately by the visitor are the smell of sulphur and the steam rising from the ground from many bores around the city.
 

Rotorua District has four major thermal areas - Whakarewarewa, Waimangu, Waiotapu and Hell's Gate. The village of Whakarewarewa is one of Rotorua's best known and most active thermal areas and can be reached on foot from the city centre. Pohutu geyser, which erupts about twenty times a day and can spout up to 100 feet, is a popular attraction at Whakarewarewa. There you can also see hot bubbling mud pools, hot springs, and a Maori pa.
 

Geothermal steam and sulphur pool

The Inferno Crater with its powder blue steaming water and sheer crater walls can be seen at the Waimangu Volcanic Valley. Close to Waimangu, is the Waiotapu Thermal Wonderland, with the reputation of being the most colourful thermal area with the famous champagne pool, the bridal veil falls, and large steaming craters.

If you time your visit for 10:15 a.m., you'll see the daily eruption of the Lady Knox Geyser.
 

Hell's Gate, as its name suggests, has impressive thermal activity. Visitors find that there is nothing more relaxing than soaking in a hot mineral pool!

Rotorua in the centre of New Zealand's North Island offers very special attractions for visitors interested in the thermal activity and Maori culture.