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

Private Full-Day Rotorua Tour from Auckland

Private Full-Day Rotorua Tour from Auckland

Private Tour - Auckland - Starting from $470.00 per person

Get ready to explore the amazing Rotorua. Rotorua is New Zealand's ultimate holiday destination for locals and overseas visitors. Roto means lake and Rua means two – together, Rotorua means 'Second Lake'. A dream spot for sightseeing and a region steeped in Māori legend, history and culture. On this tour you will visit famous attractions such as the Pikirangi Maori Village, Kiwi House, and the Geothermal Valley. This is a tour including a driver and we can match your ideal itinerary or you can... 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...


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...

10-Day 'Vibe of the North' Epic Summer Tour for 18-30s!

10-Day 'Vibe of the North' Epic Summer Tour for 18-30s!

Multi-day Tour - Waitomo - Starting from $999.00 per person

The photos, the stories, the FOMO! You can’t beat New Zealand’s North Island in summer time!
The ‘Vibe of the North’ is our most popular tour ever, and you’re about to see why! From digging a natural bath at ‘Hot Water Beach’, to doing ‘bombs’ off the rocks into the crystal clear river in Coroglen, even an unbeatable Taranaki vineyard wine tasting overlooking the West Coast of NZ, you’re about to experience a Kiwi summer the way the locals do!
Throw in a visit to Hobbiton,... More...

Rotorua Geysers and Hobbiton experience

Rotorua Geysers and Hobbiton experience

Maori - Hinuera - Starting from $289.00 per person

Join us on this popular small group excursioin to Rotorua 's Scenic Wonderland see bubbling Mud pools and erupting Geysers plus experience a Maori Cultural performance. Then onto Hobbiton the Lord of The Rings movie set location, enjoy a 2 Hour fully guided Tour of the set location then retail therapy in the extensive gift store .Time permitting will also visit a Kiwifruit Orchard for tasting, Okere falls watch river rafting and Mossops Honey centre. More...


Central HotspotCentral Hotspot - Holiday Home.

Situated 1.5 km from Tamaki Maori Village and 2.5 km from Te Puia in Rotorua, Central Hotspot offers accommodation with...

Te Puia Maori Arts and Crafts Institute with Optional Cultural PerformanceTe Puia Maori Arts and Crafts Institute with Optional Cultural Performance - Attraction - Rotorua. Starting from $56.00 per person.

Experience the culture and history of Te Puia, the New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute. Set in a stunning...

 

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