Free Geothermal Spots to Check out in Rotorua
Rotorua is the geothermal capital of New Zealand. Steam rises from the city in giant plumes. Mud puddles bubble, sulphur deposits are scattered around and natural hot springs are nestled in the native bush. This place is a geothermal wonderland. And for those traveling on a budget, you will be happy to know there are many free geothermal wonders to explore in the city.
Read on to discover some of my favorites
Kuirau Park
In the middle of town, there is a sprawling park that seems to have a heavy cloak of steam and heat surrounding it. Kuirau Park is a public park which is a little different. Instead of a pond floating with ducks, there is a geothermal lake with water temperatures of 100 degrees Celsius. There are bubbling mud pools and rock formations with steam billowing. And of course the smell of Sulphur hovering over everything.
This park is a great one to explore when you first arrive in Rotorua to get your first taste of what Rotorua is about.
Photo tip : Steam can fog up your lens. But, if you are looking for a cool photo spot I do recommend the bridge going over the geothermal lake. Wear something bright, so you can stand out in the steam.
Where : 1371, Pukuatua Street, Ranolf Street, Rotorua 3010
Sulphur Point
Behind the Government Gardens is a bay that smells of sulphur. That is probably because it is rather sulphuric. The water is cloudy, swirling with white and blue, and the rocky shore is spotted with bright yellow sulphuric deposits.
There is a walkway that follows along the bay. Be sure to stick to it, as this is an active geothermal area with hot rocks, mud pools and unstable ground. Not to mention, Sulphur Bay is home to a breeding colony of the most endangered gull in the world, the black billed gull. Their colony is cordoned off from the public but you can view them from afar as you walk around.
There are a number of interesting geothermal spots to check out along Sulphur Bay. One is the Cameron Laughing Gas Pool. This was bathed in back in the day and people would experience strange laughing fits or even black out from the gases while bathing. Bathing here is a no go in these modern times as these gases are quite toxic.
Another interesting spot is the Rachel Spring. This is an alkaline pool situated right next to the Polynesian Spa.
Photo Tip : Sunrise and sunset photos here are beautiful and worth the trip.
Where : Hatupatu Drive, Rotorua 3010. Drive past the Government gardens and museum. You can either drive along the bay to Hatupatu Dr Car Park and Scenic Point and park up and enjoy the sunset. Or walk along the bay from the Government Gardens or from the Polynesian Spa.
Rainbow Mountain Scenic Reserve
Rainbow Mountain Scenic Reserve is located around a 20 minute drive south of Rotorua. It is home to Rainbow Mountain or Mt Kakaramea, which you can trek up if you have the stamina. But, a shorter walk is to the crater lake. This is a five minute walk from the carpark and you come to a viewing platform looking down at a blue blue lake that you will find hard to believe is that blue. It almost looks photoshopped. It is surrounded by beautiful cliffs, which are hues of reds, browns, blues and greys. The rainbow mountain.
Photo Tip : Bring a wide angle lens so you can get as much of the scene in as possible.
Where : South of Rotorua, the carpark is on the left hand side just after the turnoff for SH 38.
Kerosene Creek
A little past the Rainbow Reserve is a turn off down a gravely road. And at the end of this unassuming road is one of Rotorua’s most beautiful spots, Kerosene Creek. Kerosene Creek is a creek that is warmed below by a natural hot spring. The creek runs through native bush and has waterfalls dotted along the way. This is a great geothermal spot, because you can even get in it without being harmed. But do not put your head under as this is a health and safety risk. This spot is spacious, so you can be sure to find your very own private spot to relax in.
Photo Tip : Come at sunrise on a nice day. The golden light coming through the surrounding bush makes this place look even more magical. Also, the earlier you come, the more likely you will have this place all to yourself.
Where : At the end of Old Waiotapu Road, Waiotapu 3073. Do not go past the closed gate as that is private property.
Waiotapu Mud Pool
This is a large bubbling and boiling mud pool that you can visit for free. It is located around a 20 min drive south of Rotorua. You can view the mud pool from a boardwalk or a higher view point up some stairs that allows for a different vantage point. And of course, stay behind the barriers as this mud is very hot. In the past, this site was home to New Zealand largest mud volcano but this has since eroded.
Photo tip - Make sure to take some shots of the mud bubbles. At different points, the mud explodes quite high in the air which makes for some cool photos.
Where : Drive south out of Rotorua on SH5, turn left on Loop Road and you will reach the mud pool after around 2km.