Wai-O-Tapu (Maori for “Sacred Waters”) is an active geothermal area north of the Reporoa caldera in New Zealand's Taupo Volcanic Zone. A Wonderland of Stunning Geothermal Activity.

Located 27 kilometres (20 minutes drive) south of Rotorua on SH5, the Visitor Centre provides the gateway to New Zealand’s most colorful natural volcanic environment.

Visitors can walk at their own pace and absorb the unique features including the world famous champagne pool, geysers, bubbling mud, steaming ground, expansive vistas, huge volcanic craters and sinter terrace formations.

Approximately 20 minutes south of Rotorua, Waiotapu is the region's most colourful thermal park.

In English Wai-O-Tapu means 'Sacred Water' and it is easy to see why. Hot pools ranging in colour from turquoise blue, rich green and gold to an almost olive/yellow, make the water at Waiotapu a dazzling must see. The array of colours is caused by mineral salts in the water including arsenic, gold and silver.
Primrose Terrace, Waiotapu, Rotorua

The spectacular Champagne Pool is a magnificent example of the vibrant colours caused by mineral and silicate interference. Follow the pool down to where it spills over a waterfall of ethereal beauty, coming to rest at the edge of one of the best examples of silica terracing in the Southern Hemisphere since the destruction of the Pink and White Terraces in the 1886 Mount Tarawera eruption.
Lady Knox Geyser, Waiotapu, Rotorua

If the awesome spurting of boiling hot water inspires you, head to your vehicle and take a short drive to see Lady Knox, a geyser of both scientific and historical interest. Bursting from its white, conical mound of silica at 10:15am daily, Lady Knox has a special trick to her timely eruptions! Discovered by a gang of prisoners washing their clothes in the early 1900s, the geyser erupted, shooting hot water 20 meters into the air after the men had unwittingly poured soap into the spout. Now all it takes to get old Lady Knox firing is a bit of soap every day at roughly 10am!

Archie