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

Rotorua Whakarewarewa Culture Experience with Free Hangi Lunch Included

Rotorua Whakarewarewa Culture Experience with Free Hangi Lunch Included

Ports of Call Tour - Tauranga - Starting from $150.00 per person

You will be met  and collected from outside the Port of Tauranga wharf gates and taken for a sight seeing journey to Rotorua
First we will travel past the Mt Maunganui beaches,stop for a photo and then travel towards Rotorua, but stopping at Te Puke (The Kiwifruit Capital of the world) where we will visit a Kiwifruit orchard.
Continuing on through the Pine tree forests to Rotorua where we go to Whakarewarewa, 'Rotorua's Living Maori Village'
. Included 
*Guided tour of the... More...

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...

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...


Tauranga Shore Excursion: Private Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland and Whakarewarewa Maori Cultural Village

Tauranga Shore Excursion: Private Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland and Whakarewarewa Maori Cultural Village

Ports of Call Tour - Tauranga - Starting from $173.75 per person

Visit two of Rotorua’s most famous sites, Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland and Whakarewarewa (The Living Maori Village), on a private tour with an informative guide when your cruise ship docks in Tauranga. Marvel at geothermal wonders such as steaming volcanic vents, boiling mud ponds and natural hot pools in an otherworldly range of colors. Then learn about Maori culture and history, and see landmarks including the Pohutu and Prince of Wales geysers during your visit to Whakarewarewa village. More...

Shore Excursion Port Tauranga to Rotorua

Shore Excursion Port Tauranga to Rotorua

Ports of Call Tour - Tauranga - Starting from $1250.00 per person

This tour is ideal for family groups or friends travelling together who may want to do different things in Rotorua or be free to visit other venues such as the famous Waitomo Glow Worm caves.
Maximum vehicle size for groups is 15. Your tour departs from the end of the wharf and you will be dropped of there at the end of the day in plenty of time to board your ship. More...


Moana Cottage - Rotorua Holiday Home - Holiday Home.

Located in Rotorua, 3.9 km from Tamaki Maori Village and 4.4 km from Polynesian Spa, Moana Cottage - Rotorua Holiday...

Discover Rotorua Morning City TourDiscover Rotorua Morning City Tour - Half-day Coach Tour - Rotorua. Starting from $166.00 per person.

Discover Rotorua's leading attractions on this five-hour morning tour. Highlights include the bubbling mud pools and...

 

New Zealand - Auckland - Bay of Islands - Rotorua - Wellington - Christchurch - Queenstown - Fiordland - Accommodation - Activities & Tours - Bus - Car Rental - Events - News - Virtual Tour - NZ Guide Book - Slide Show - Search