• Whaka Geothermal Trails

Rotorua’s newest Geothermal walking trails experience

…nothing but You and mother-earth (Papatuanuku)

Whaka Geothermal Trails

Our Geothermal nature trails provide exclusive access to an untouched geothermal landscape where Visitors can experience the raw nature of Papatuanuku (mother earth). The Jurassic park-like landscape is described as providing regenerative powers as You find yourself face-to-face with Nature, Hot Spring Lakes, Mud Pools and native manuka bushlands.

The trails are self-guided walks suitable for the entire family, & combine views of native ferns, edible plants and glimpses of our unique geothermal landscape, including colourful steaming lakes and thermal pools that you can only view at Whakarewarewa.  In past years the plants & hot pools in this area were utilized by our people for healing & eating amongst other things.

You will definitely find a most memorable photo-snap opportunity for your Facebook and Instagram profile! The Whaka Geothermal Trails will be an ongoing reserve development as we open new areas to be discovered.

In past years the plants & hot pools in this area were utilized by our people for healing & eating amongst other things

NEWFor the digital travelers, our new STQRY-powered mobile web app offers a guided, immersive journey through Te Whakarewarewa Valley’s unique Geothermal Trails self-guided walk. The web app is free and requires a smart phone/tablet with a mobile data connection. Our Admissions Team can provide access instructions on arrival. Supported languages include Te Reo Māori, English, Spanish, French, Japanese, Korean and Chinese (Simplified).

PLEASE NOTE:  there is no access to Pohutu Geyser from our Geothermal Trails

Want to do more…….MAORI CULTURAL PERFORMANCE
Why not add our cultural performance to complete your geothermal & cultural experience, commencing at 12.30pm daily, be entertained by our very own Te Pakira Cultural Performers.

The Tūhourangi Ngāti Wāhiao village people have a proud history of sharing their stories, song and dance spanning over a century.  Please enquire ahead of your visit to see if there is availability to experience this memorable and entertaining Cultural Show experience.

Rotorua’s newest Geothermal walking trails experience…

PRICING FROM 01 OCTOBER 2025 TO 30 SEPTEMBER 2026:

  • Adult $42.00
  • Child (5-15 yr.) $21.00
  • Senior (Gold Card) $38.00
  • Family Pass $113.50
  • Infant Under 5 yrs FREE
Book Now

ENTRY : 17 Tryon St. Rotorua. Phone: 07 349 3463.

SAFETY : Our self– guided leisure walking trails are suitable for beginners and experienced walkers. Please wear comfortable walking shoes and weather appropriate clothing.

CANCELLATION: 100% Guaranteed if cancelled within 24 hours of arrival date, 25% fee charged if not.

CAUTION : KEEP to the signed Trails at ALL times !

 

… nothing but You and mother-earth (Papatuanuku)

 

Hot Spring Lakes

Bubbly Mud Pools

Experience more at Whakarewarewa
The Living Māori Village

Whaka Geothermal Trails

Our new geothermal nature trails provide exclusive access to an untouched geothermal landscape where Visitors can experience the raw nature of Papatuanuku (mother-earth). The Jurassic park-like landscape are described as providing regenerative powers as You find yourself face-to-face with Nature, Hot Spring Lakes, Mud Pools and native manuka bushlands.Please note that there is no access to Pohutu Geyser on our Geothermal Trails.
Find out more >
Geyser viewing platform Whakarewarewa Maori Village

Explore Our Geothermal Wonderland

Discover the unique geothermal landscape of Te Whakarewarewa Valley. Being the only living geothermal Māori village, we are gifted with geothermal vents that provide a life-giving energy resource.See our boiling hot pools and bubbling mud, and learn how our residents utilise and respect the ever-changing forces beneath our land.
Find out more >
Village Nature Walks

Private: Nature Walks – Self Guided Geothermal Trails

Explore beyond the village with the self-guided Whakarewarewa Nature Walks. Walk around boiling mud pools, coloured lakes, and through native New Zealand bush. With walks ranging from 5 to 50 minutes, requiring only comfortable shoes and a low level of fitness, these are a must-do to experience our beautiful home.
Find out more >
  • We had an incredible experience on the tour - would highly recommend it if you're in Rotorua.Our guide Daniel was warm, funny & knowledgeable. The small group size meant we could move around easily & hear everything clearly.A very unique experience, very grateful to have been able to do it.
    Sarah Breen – May 2025 via Google
  • This was an amazing place and our guide was excellent. Only wish we had more time here. Needs to be one your list of must does in Rotorua.
    David Adair – 07/2025 – via Google
  • Kia ora, highly recommend this for anyone visiting Rotorua. My partner and I thoroughly enjoyed our guided tour - led by Teao who was friendly, informative and well spoken. Other highlights included seeing geysers up close and interacting with local Māori culture. Must do.
    Tomas J Dennett – via Google
  • It was an excellent guided tour especially brought alive and with 100% passion by Kylie. Her knowledge and her customer service brought the tour to an intimate crescendo. Love the sweet corns and stories of her ancestors and living traditions of cooking and bathing
    Michael Leong – 19/09/2024 – Google Reviews
  • Do not miss the performance. We enjoyed the village tour but the performances where they sang and made the haka were special! 
    Yani56 – Village Tour and concert 11/09/2024 – Tripadvisor review
  • A wonderful morning spent, we did the guided tour and our guide was excellent. The geo walk was quite eerie amongst all the steam and bubbling pools. Highly recommended.Sall J
    Sall J – A gentle walk 15/09/2024 – Tripadvisor review