Rotorua in New Zealand is famous for it's hot springs and mud pools and there are a number of volcanic areas to choose from, today we are visiting Waiotapu, which along with Waimangu are probably the biggest two, and most nature-y of the choices.
Waiotapu meaning "sacred waters" in Māori is a wild and pretty surreal geothermal spot about half an hour's drive south of Rotorua, down State Highway 5 toward Taupō. It’s not some giant theme park or massive wilderness—it’s a compact area packed with volcanic activity, like bubbling mud pools, steaming vents, and crazy-colored hot springs. The top thing most people go to see is the Champagne Pool, which is huge, full of steaming green water rimmed with bright orange, and just looks totally otherworldly.
Getting around inside is easy—it’s all set up for walking, with several trail options depending on how much time you want to spend. Even the shortest walk covers most highlights in under an hour, but if you’re keen to wander every pathway, two hours is plenty. The Lady Knox geyser erupts daily - they help nudge it along at about 10:15am by pouring something akin to laundry powder into it. People will claim this is amazing, honestly I found it the least interesting thing going on, hence the lack of photos - I would skip it and get a jump of the park itself without other people around. Other sights include the big boiling mud pool, Artist’s Palette (with wild colors), the Primrose Terrace, and random steaming craters dotted across the landscape.
It’s usually busy and smells a bit like sulphur, but it’s all easy-going—just stick to paths, soak in the views (literally, sometimes, at the hot creek nearby), and don’t rush: it’s Rotorua’s pocket-sized bit of volcanic magic
