The Geothermal Features

of Whakarewarewa, The Living Māori Village

The geothermal landscape of Whakarewarewa is ever-changing and unpredictable, as the forces beneath the earth are constantly in flux.  Often a new bore or well will open up in the ground unexpectedly.  However, there are several features that have been staples of life at Whakarewarewa, each serving their own special purpose.

 

 

 

 

Parekohuru /Murderous Ripples

This is the largest hot spring in the Village.  Roughly every 45 minutes, the pool pulsates and begins to rise.  When the water drops after each pulsation, bubbles rise to the surface, giving this pool its other nickname “The Champagne Pool”.  The pool is used for cooking leaf and root vegetables, seafood, and corn on the cob (which can be purchased at our Café).
 

Oil Baths/Top Baths

These are the communal baths where grandparents, parents, children and grandchildren bathe twice daily; either early morning or late evening.  The name comes from the oily texture caused by mineral deposits in the water.
 

Waipuru/Immerse

This very hot pool was once used as the village copper to sterilise linen and babies’ nappies before washing.
 

Purerehua/Butterfly

Often referred to as the “local weather forecaster”, these pools are affected by change in atmospheric pressure; a drop in water levels indicates an impending change in weather.
 

Pohutu/Big Splash and Prince of Wales/Feather

These spectacular geysers can be viewed from our Geyser Lookout, located at the Southwest corner of the village.  These geysers erupt roughly once an hour.  Pohutu/Big Splash is the most famous and largest of all New Zealand geysers, erupting up to 40 metres into the air.
 

Korotiotio/Grumpy Man

This is the most volatile spring in the village, gushing super-heated water to the surface, where it explodes from the ground and a consistent temperature of 120 degrees celcius.
 

Te Werenga/To Suspend

Containing mud renowned for healing arthritis, lumbago, and rheumatism, this mud pool is the largest and most spectacular in the village.  This quick-sand-like mud averages at a temperature of 80-90 degrees Celcius and is also purported to give skin a youthful appearance.
 

Te Puarenga Stream (Floating Blossom)

This stream carries yellow sulphur deposits that float and swirl on the surface as they’re carried downstream, giving the waterway its name.
 

Pohutu/Big Splash and Prince of Wales/Feather

These spectacular geysers can be viewed from our Geyser Lookout, located at the Southwest corner of the village.  These geysers erupt roughly once an hour.  Pohutu/Big Splash is the most famous and largest of all New Zealand geysers, erupting up to 40 metres into the air.

 

Te Matapuna o papatuanuku/ Earth Science Facility/ GNS

Resource centre and educational facility used to study the evolving earth sciences of the area.  Read more about the GNS facilities here.

Educational Groups - REAL

Our geothermal features provide an educational playground for experiential learning with Rotorua Education Alive (REAL).  REAL provides NZQA-qualified educational opportunities to students of all ages.

Learn More