It’s only about 90 kms between the central cities of Rotorua and Taupo in the North Island of New Zealand, but believe me, there’s so much to see and do here. A key attraction is the geo-thermal activity, resulting from the tectonic movement of the Pacific and Indian earth plates. In the far north lies the “White Island” volcano in the Bay of Plenty. To the south, lies the Tongariro National Park with Mt. Ruapehu, Mt. Ngauruhoe and Mt. Tongariro.
Travellers to these regions will get a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for a close encounter with mother earth’s youngest earth developments and movements. So here are some of the key sites between Rotorua and Taupo:
Whakarewarewa or Te Puia:
Whakarewara/ Te Puia is located just outside the central Rotorua township and is one of the early settlement locations for local Maori. The first fortification (Te Puia Pa) was erected around 1325 AD. Whakarewarewa has approx. 500 pools and at least 65 geyser vents. Seven geysers are currently active. Pohutu Geyser erupts nearly hourly (pending on water levels) to heights of up to 30 metres!
Waiotapu + Lady Knox Geyser:
Waiotapu is located about 30 minutes drive (and 27 kilometres) south of Rotorua. Many of the hot springs in this area have a striking colourful appearance.
This geothermal area covers 18 square kilometres. This area has a long history as a tourist attraction and while it has been protected as a scenic reserve since 1931, a tourist operation occupies part of the reserve under a concession. It operates under the name “Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland”.
At 10.15 am daily the Lady Knox Geyser is activated by natural soap and depending on the rainfall, erupts 10-20 metres in height. Visitors can view this spectacular sight and learn more about it in the natural amphitheatre. Note: if you’re not interested in this “show” then head to the nearby “Champagne Pool”. You’ll often get this one all to yourself, as most tourists go to the Lady Knox show.
Waimangu Thermal Valley:
Waimangu means ‘black water’ in Māori. It encompasses Lake Rotomahana, the former site of the Pink and White Terraces, as well as the location of the Waimangu Geyser. The area contains Frying Pan Lake, the largest hot spring in the world, plus the steaming and usually pale blue Inferno Crater Lake, the largest geyser-like feature in the world.
Orakei Korako:
This is a highly active geothermal area known for its series of fault-stepped terraces and is located in a valley north of Taupo on the banks of the Waikato River. It’s also known as “The Hidden Valley”.
The lowest terrace at Orakei Korako is the jade-green Emerald Terrace, the largest of its kind in New Zealand since the destruction of the famed Pink and White Terraces in the Mount Tarawera eruption of 1886. Orakei Korako remains the largest geyser field in New Zealand, with up to 35 active geysers. The most famous of these is the Diamond Geyser, whose random eruptions can last from a few minutes to many hours, ejecting boiling water as high as nine metres.
White Island:
Sitting 48 km offshore, White Island (Whakāri) is New Zealand’s most active cone volcano. About 70 percent of the volcano is under the sea, making this massive volcanic structure the largest in New Zealand.White Island became a private scenic reserve in 1953, and daily tours allow more than 10,000 people to visit every year. Take a flight ex Rotorua and do the return journey in 3 hours. GeoNet monitors volcanic activity and visits the island around 10 times a year.
The best way to explore these natural wonders is to have your own vehicle and start from Rotorua in the morning and work your way through to Taupo, New Zealand’s largest lake. Don’t forget to visit Huka Falls, which feeds New Zealand largest river – Waikato River.
