1 Fiordland National Park
2 Tongariro National Park
3 Te Papa Tongarewa
4 Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve
5 Abel Tasman National Park
6 Cape Reinga
7 Queenstown's Skyline Gondola
8 TranzAlpine Express
9 Mount Cook National Park
10 Waitomo Caves
If you can get to see only one attraction in the Rotorua region, then “Whaka” (as the reserve is commonly known) should be it.
The city of Rotorua, near the center of the North Island, is renowned for its volcanic activity evidenced by spouting geysers, bubbling mud, and a pervasive smell of hydrogen sulphide. The area is surrounded by forest, has a dormant volcano and over a dozen lakes, plus many other attractions. It is also a center for a display of Maori culture.
About 3km from the city centre, Whakarewarewa is the most famous of Rotorua's five thermal areas. It features the Pohutu (Maori for "splashing") geyser which spouts up 30m at regular intervals, and the smaller Prince of Wales Feathers geyser (reaching 12m), which always erupts first. Nearby are steaming cauldrons of bubbling mud and strange, moonscape-like silica formations. Overlooking the thermal area of Whaka is a re-creation of a palisaded pa, or fortress, like the one used by Maori warriors in earlier days. Also close by is the Maori Arts and Crafts Institute, established in the 1960s, where the cultural skills of the Maori people are demonstrated, and their work displayed. There is a souvenir shop and a concert of Maori action songs is presented daily at 12:15pm inside the Te Aronui a Rua Meeting House. Close to the Whakarewarewa reserve is a grove of Redwood trees, which offers a shady walk and provides a contrast to the many thousands of acres of pine trees that cover the "volcanic plateau" around Rotorua.Address: Tryon Street or Hemo Road
Phone: 07 348 9047
Open: Daily 8-5
Restaurant: No dining in grounds
Bus: Minibus transfers from Rotorua visitor center
Train: Rotorua
Accessible: Few; assistance required
Admission: Moderate
Other: Rotorua
Practical: Guides available
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