Wai-O-Tapu is an attraction about 20 minutes outside Rotorua that bills itself as a “thermal wonderland.” The park features a number of attractions and sights caused by the volcanic activity in the area. But while it is full of some beautiful colors and unique landscapes, it is not necessarily a must-do in the region.
A day at Wai-O-Tapu begins early, as you have to get there by mid-morning if you want to see one of the park’s main attractions: the Lady Knox Geyser.
Although the Lady Knox Geyser is not located in the Wai-O-Tapu park, the only way you can actually see it erupt is by buying the $32.50 NZD ticket into the park. So if you want to get your full money’s worth, make sure you get to the park early enough to see the geyser erupt, which only happens at 10:15 am sharp every day.
And why does it only happen at that time? Why is this geyser so predictable?
Well, because the park guides force it to erupt by putting soap in it.
A bit disappointing, isn’t it? While it is cool that you are guaranteed to see the geyser upon admittance into the park, this seems like a bit of a cheap trick.
Don’t get me wrong, the guides tell a neat tale sort of vindicating what they are doing. The story goes this: the geyser was discovered by prison inmates in the early 1900’s who were in the area clearing trees. When these prisoners found the hot water, they put soap into it to wash their clothes, making it erupt.
In addition to the eruption not being a natural phenomenon like say, Old Faithful in the States, the base of this geyser is also man-made. Rocks were placed at its base several years ago with the specific purpose of making the eruptions more intense. (The water can climb up to 20 meters or 65 feet high depending on the day and amount of soap.) Those rocks have since become coated with silica left behind from all the man-made eruptions.
That being said, it is fun to see, especially if you’re like me and have never seen a geyser erupt before. Just know you’re going to see more of a show than a naturally occurring phenomenon.
There is some good news, however, and that’s the attractions inside the park. These are not only completely natureal, but are far more vibrant, colorful and strange than the geyser.
It is these colorful pools and springs inside the park that give Wai-O-Tapu its name, which means “sacred waters” in Maori. From the radioactive green-colored Devil’s Bath to the refreshingly colored blue and oranges in the Champagne Pool, your eyes are in for a a treat that spans the colors of the rainbow. Like the official website says really you can “leave the filter at home.”
All of the sights here are thanks to the park’s location inside a collapsed volcanic crater that was formed 230,000 years ago. The area is still active, and of course, like most of the attractions in Rotorua, smells like sulfur. While the smell is stronger than some areas of the park than others, the rotten egg smell is fairly prevalent for the whole 75 minutes it takes to see the park, so if this is something that is likely to bother you, I’d advise a nose plug, or at least waiting to eat your lunch until afterward.
Something else you should prepare for when visiting is the crowds. Wai-O-Tapu may be a natural series of sights, but it feels much like an amusement park. There are lines of people excited to catch a glimpse of the waterfalls or lakes just like there are lines and crowds waiting to get on Space Mountain. IT is an experience that I think is purely New Zealand; where else in the world would natural sights be akin to going to Disney Land?
Overall, I did enjoy my visit to Wai-O-Tapu and would recommend it to anyone who has the $33 NZD in their budget. However, if you have more time than money, I would advise you to skip it. You can see sights similar to the ones in the park throughout the region for free, they are just more spread out and require a bit of planning, driving, and hiking.
Wow, that looks like an amazing trip. That radioactive bath was crazy! I’d like to visit NZ one day.
The pictures are everything! Looks like you had a great time exploring Wai-O-Tapu.
I did have a good time checking it out. It’s really unlike anywhere else I’ve ever been.
That is so cool! I have never seen a geyser before!! And omg that devils bath looks like it is no joke!!
I never saw a geyser before this one either, although I hope to see a more “natural” one someday. And yeah! Isn’t the color of that water just crazy??
Great photos! Pretty interesting that they add soap in order for tourists to see the glacier to erupt. Would have been cooler if it was natural. The Devil’s Bath is pretty crazy looking.
Yeah, that’s how I feel about the glacier as well, and is really my only complaint about the attraction. And yeah, the Devil’s Bath was one of the most amazing things I have ever seen.
What an amazing place, great photos says it all. Thanks for sharing this info,
Thanks! It was a fun place to visit for sure, despite the phony geyser. š
I so need to go to NZ….it’s on my list!! š Great photos by the way.
Thanks! And it is a lovely place to visit. I would advise everyone to check it out if they can.
The pools look so cool!! I would love to see them in person! Also the eruption is pretty neat as well and i would defo enjoy it since I have never experienced something similar.
The pool was amazing in person, and yeah, the eruption was neat to see! I was just disappointed because it was forced and not natural, and that isn’t really disclosed until you get onsite.
So cool! I saw Old Faithful at Yosemite – geysers are pretty neat. š
I really need to see Old Faithful or at least a geyser that isn’t forced to erupt by soap, haha. š
Wow, I didn’t know there’s so many unusual sights to see in NZ. Those colors of the different bath sites are so crazy. Looks like a fun time.
New Zealand has a lot of incredible surprises! I am very thankful to have had the opportunity to see so many.
These pics are beautiful! However, I did agree that it’s disappointing to learn that such a phenomenon is man made and is forced. But it’s something still worth exploring. Thanks for this post!
Thanks! It was still cool to see, even though it wasn’t 100% natural. I am glad you enjoyed the photos!
NZ is becoming a sure place to visit for me now, thanks to your blog. And that geyser eruption looked out of this world š
Oh, thanks! New Zealand is definitely worth visiting and has grown on me the longer I am here. And yeah, the geyser was cool to see even if it wasn’t a real eruption.
Iām so excited, Iām heading to New Zealand next! Did you deal with the smell there ok?
Oh, when do you get here? I’m in the country to May and have seen a lot of really cool things. And yes, I dealt with the smell fine, since it’s not prevalent over the entire park. Otherwise, a couple hours there may have been too much!
Nice post
Thanks
I truly love how this article being written.I really find it so great and engaging.
Glad you liked it. š