Top Things to do in North Island
Top Hotels in North Island
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What to do and see in North Island, New Zealand: The Best Hot Springs & Geysers
Discover the best top things to do in North Island, New Zealand including Whakarewarewa - The Living Maori Village, Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland, Waimangu Volcanic Valley, Te Puia, Waikite Valley Thermal Pools, Orakei Korako Cave & Thermal Park, Kuirau Park, The Lost Spring, Spa Thermal Park and Riverbank Recreational and Scenic Reserve, Morere Hot Springs.
Restaurants in North Island
1. Whakarewarewa - The Living Maori Village
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,669 reviews
With natural geothermal heat radiating from the ground, Whakarewarewa Living Māori Village is a unique cultural experience, set in a fascinating geothermal landscape, offering an authentic peek into Māori village life. Hourly guided tours give visitors a chance to learn how the geothermal resources are used in daily life, twice-daily cultural performances are filled with fun interactivity, and a network of nature trails traverse geothermal lakes, bubbling mud and explosive geysers. This will be a memorable experience for all ages. Open 8.30am – 5.00pm daily.
Reviewed By linfarrington24 - Launceston, Australia
Loved seeing how Maori people have lived and evolved over hundreds of years. Wonderful to be welcomed and encouraged to share their pride in their cultural heritage. We started with a tour by a young guide who had a uniquely modern perspective on her heritage, we followed that with the cultural show which brought us to tears in the beauty of the love songs and the passion of the cultural expressions. Finally we shared a traditionally prepared meal, which we thought we would 'experience' rather than enjoy. How wrong we were! It all goes to show how much we have to learn from our indigenous brothers and sisters!
2. Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 8,651 reviews
"One of the 20 Most Surreal Places in the World" Trip Advisor THOUSANDS OF YEARS IN THE MAKING, explore spectacular nature at New Zealand's most colourful natural volcanic area. Walk at your own pace - view the unique Champagne Pool, Sinter Terrace formations, Steaming Ground, Bubbling Mud, Expansive Vistas, Huge Volcanic Craters. The Lady Knox Geyser erupts daily at 10.15am. Excellent facilities at modern Visitor Centre. We are a cashless site, accepting all major credit and EFTPOS cards.
Reviewed By C0nstantlyOnTheG0 - Newcastle, Australia
It's nine years since I've been here and this time I returned with more family. Waiotapu is totally unique and offers vistas of bubbling mud pools, the Lady Knox Geyser, craters and an incredible geothermal park. In June 2009, we visited on a blue sky day and the hues of colour were picture perfect for photography; as good as what you see on the website. This time round, we were shrouded in fog and the colours in the park were not at their best. If you're in the area for a couple of days, best to visit when the sun is shining. We spent approximately 2 hours here. The walkways were easy to get around; some were boardwalks, others were dirt track and there were some sections with stairs. If you wish to see the Geyser you need to be there before 10.15am. Waiotapu is approximately 25 minutes south of Rotorua and is a unique place to visit in New Zealand, if not the world.
3. Waimangu Volcanic Valley
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,697 reviews
Explore spectacular activity in the world’s youngest geothermal system on a self-guided walking tour at Waimangu Volcanic Valley. We offer a range of options for all abilities and ambitions varying in length from our short 1.5km highlights walk to a 4.5km hike including an invigorating climb over Mount Haszard for astonishing panoramic views. Discover Frying Pan Lake, one of the largest hot water springs in the World and mysterious, beautiful Inferno Crater Lake which rises and falls as it heats and cools. See rare and unusual plants that have adapted to grow in the warm geothermal landscape and enjoy the abundance of native birdlife around Lake Rotomahana. Opt for an additional 45 minute cruise around the tranquil waters of Lake Rotomahana to see nature, birdlife and geothermal activity not accessible by foot. Relax and listen to the full historical commentary throughout cruise. Enjoy a much needed rest and take advantage of the shuttle bus at the end of your tour.
Reviewed By R0gerV - Leuven, Belgium
This site offers a nice hiking experience for all levels of fitness. Starting at the visitors center you can hike all the way down the valley passing places like Frying Pan Lake, Cathedral Rocks, Inferno Crater, Birds Nest Terrace, Rift Valley, Waimangu Stream and many more, leading you to the jetty at Lake Rotomahana. Here you can even make a boat trip of about 45 minutes on the lake. You are walking all the way in a stunning landscape with geothermal and volcanic elements. Depending on your hiking abilities you can start walking and if necessary take the internal bus further down to the lake or return, after a breathtaking walk all the way down, back to the visitors center. This is an experience you should not miss when you are in the neighborhood of Rotorua.
4. Te Puia
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5,628 reviews
Te Puia spans 70 hectares within the historic Te Whakarewarewa Valley, on the edge of town. We are home to the world famous Pohutu geyser, to mud pools, hot springs, to silica formations to the Kiwi bird and the national schools of wood carving, weaving, stone and bone carving. We have shared these treasures with manuhiri (visitors) for 170 years and proudly continue that legacy today.
Reviewed By ruki-de - Nottinghamshire, United Kingdom
Enjoyed the combo with the guided tour of the craft school, Pohutu geyser, general entertainment, Maori show, the multi-course dinner and hot chocolate back at the geyser after dark. Included pick-up from and return to accommodation.
5. Waikite Valley Thermal Pools
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,210 reviews
Waikite Valley Thermal Pools provides the opportunity to relax and experience the pure natural geothermal waters from the Te Manaroa Spring. Facilities include The Pukeko in the Ponga Tree Cafe, a splash pool with adjoining toddlers play area, passive bathing pools, private spas, nature trail and separate changing, toilet and shower area for families. Waikite Valley Thermal Pools also offers powered and non powered campground sites.
Reviewed By Loulo00 - Auckland, New Zealand
This beautiful sanctuary is worth the 1/2 drive from Rotorua into the valley. Fresh geothermal waters flow into the naturally heated pools, excavated into the hillside. It was freezing and rainy when we went so we bolted from the changing rooms and spent 1 and 1/2 hours luxuriating between the large warm swimming pool and the hot spas with infinity edges surrounded by native bush. Glad we were told to hydrate as you do get very tired and headachey if you didn’t too long in one go in the hot pool/spas (longer than 15min). Beautifully fresh clean pools and a divine bush outlook, with a small cafe where you can get basic food & drinks. A fantastic, relaxing and restorative experience for the whole family.
6. Orakei Korako Cave & Thermal Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,299 reviews
Orakei Korako Geothermal Park & Cave is a stunning geothermal attraction located off the beaten track between Taupo and Rotorua. Described by the Lonely Planet Guide as "arguably the best geothermal area left in New Zealand", Orakei Korako brings you into a world of gushing geysers, bubbling mud pools, and some of the largest and most amazing silica terraces in the world.
Reviewed By AllanJGJ - Wellington, New Zealand
This is a brilliant site to see some easily accesible geothermal activity. A nice little boat trip across the river and a pleasant two kilometre plus stroll around the site makes for a pleasant hour or so viewing some amazing natural phenomena. We were impressed by the infrastructure - good quality steps and explanatory boards - and even more impressed by Nick the young man who ferried us across the river. It's a family business and he's rightly proud of it; he was more than happy to spend time chatting to us about the site and the difficulties of operating a small business in the face of covid. A definite asset to the business and a credit to his family. When he said thank you for our support it was obviously sincerely meant. This is a site worth visiting for it's natural wonders and a business worth supporting for it's contribution to the region.
7. Kuirau Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,151 reviews
Reviewed By FoodObsessedLaura - Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
Visited this place a few weeks ago and it was my first experience of Rotorua's thermal wonders. I was amazed at all of the bubbling mud pools and clear boiling water holes. There was informative signs all around the park, explaining the thermal occurrences and past stories/theories of how the lakes became boiling. At the end of the walk, I relaxed with my feet in the thermal foot spa. One of the best free things to do in Rotorua and definitely recommend going here.
8. The Lost Spring
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,155 reviews
Escape and leave the everyday behind as you relax and rejuvenate, immersing yourself in the peaceful restorative atmosphere of The Lost Spring. Discover a tranquil oasis nestled in the heart of the scenic Coromandel Peninsula, and bask in the revitalising serenity of one of New Zealand’s most unique destinations. Luxuriate in the therapeutic waters of our Geo-Thermal mineral pools, surrounded by lush native bush and the peaceful sounds of running water and birdsong. Experience the pure decadence of having delicious cocktails and dining delivered directly to you poolside while you soak, or pamper yourself with a massage or one of the many other tempting treatments offered at our indulgent day spa. The Lost Spring is the perfect getaway for a day of relaxation and indulgence and offers the perfect opportunity to retreat from the world and enjoy a truly transformative experience.
Reviewed By Companion60214859682
A wonderful day at the pools, Excellent Massage ,lovelly lunch pool side and finished with a beautiful meal and wine in the Restaurant at night . Regards and thanks, we have been b4 and will return, Raymond and Janet Killip Cambridge ..
9. Spa Thermal Park and Riverbank Recreational and Scenic Reserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 376 reviews
Reviewed By batchhen2017 - Timaru, New Zealand
This is so close into town, its very available and easy to find. What a delightful thermal river and hot pools (man made little pools in rocks ) at the side of the larger pool. I was pleasantly surprised how modern the facilities are, changing rooms and toilets very clean. Someone told me its had an upgrade. This is a beautifully made attraction and its free to use, how about that in NZ? It was only 2d when I went, but the fog lifted and I had a lovely soak. I was expecting it to be hotter like 35 to 39d but it was prob about 3od. However, I thoroughly enjoyed my visit and stunning scenery around the river.
10. Morere Hot Springs
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 175 reviews
Therapeutic Natural Mineral Springs set amongst one of the largest tracts of lowland rainforest remaining on the East Coast.
Reviewed By Raat83 - Hawke's Bay Region, New Zealand
We spent 3 days in Morere, one and a half of them at the pools! Prices were $14 an adult, $3 a toddler, and you're in for the whole day if you want. We were there on the hottest weekend of the year I think, so we spent most of our time in the cool saltwater pools just inside the reserve. There's a big hot pool there too, or you can walk 10 mins up a gentle (tarmac) slope through gorgeous native bush to smaller, more secluded steel tubs. Gorgeous lawns everywhere, picnic benches dotted about, there's a cafe or you can bring a picnic, or a burger/ribs from across the road. Only the cold pools are suitable for little kids, but they really loved the bush walk, even though they couldn't really cope with the water temperatures at the top.
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