Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland
Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland, Rotorua: Hours, Address, Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland Reviews: 4.5/5
Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland
Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland
4.5
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
About
"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.
Suggested duration
2-3 hours
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingTours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Top ways to experience Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland
The area
Address
Best nearby
We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Restaurants
1 within 5 kms
Attractions
5 within 10 kms
Contribute
Popular mentions
4.5
8,653 reviews
Excellent
5,393
Very good
2,573
Average
525
Poor
110
Terrible
52
Alfie Burndred
Auckland, New Zealand2 contributions
Jan 2022
Fantastically beautiful area. The most incredible colours and war water wherever you look. We had the perfect weather and were very lucky to enjoy this impressive landscape. Fantastic colourful terrain.
Written 12 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Vicky Silve
Abbadia Lariana, Italy519 contributions
Jan 2021
It doesn’t happen everyday to admire a geyser, so how can you miss the visit to this national park? It’s a natural spectacle you could never imagine: the heat, the smoke… simply amazing and breathtaking!
Written 16 December 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
roaming_kiwi58
Christchurch, New Zealand2,707 contributions
Sep 2021
They need to update their signage. On the website it says that Wai-o-tapu is closed for refurbishment. However we saw several signs along the main road between Rotorua and Taupo saying they are currently open. So we went to investigate - it is a drive of a few kms off the main road. Sure enough it is closed. So the signage along the main road is all incorrect, and misleading. It would be simple enough to put an update across the advertising signs saying they are temporarily closed.
Written 24 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Tessa B
Mount Maunganui, New Zealand4 contributions
Sep 2020 • Couples
Really nice, relaxing and impressive. Would recommend to everyone who is interested in thermal activities. The colors and textures were so interesting.
Written 8 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Lynn G
Washington, UK52 contributions
The last time we saw anything volcanic was 1981 Kilauea, Maui, after that Mount Fuji on the north island of Japan. Each one was so enjoyable in its own way.
Written 28 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
John
Taupo District, New Zealand4 contributions
Feb 2021 • Friends
Amazingly beautiful place. Absolutely breathtaking views throughout. Really well kept paths and board walks.
Highly recommend
Highly recommend
Written 29 March 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Naina-Damani
London, UK1,032 contributions
Feb 2020
Most unique and colourful geothermal attraction and volcanic features of New Zealand. To see beautiful geyser and most dramatic mud pool with stinky sulphur smell.
Written 29 November 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Mike
Whanganui, New Zealand4 contributions
Nov 2020
A well worth it journey. You get to see nature at its best. excellent chance to take photographs and to see how things are formed.
Written 20 November 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Jaroslav Nečas
Brno, Czech Republic916 contributions
Dec 2019
Thermal park offers few hiking ways to go through. You can see thermal lakes of various colors and temperatures. It's definitely worth a visit for couple of hours.
Written 19 November 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Reet Kamal Kaur
11 contributions
Oct 2020 • Friends
Must visit. Amazing colorful experience. Would take around 2-3 hours for the complete experience. Enjoy.
Written 18 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
I'm thinking of taking Intercity to Waiotapu Tavern. Is it safe to walk along the highway from Waiotapu Tavern to the park?
Waiotapunz
Rotorua, New Zealand
Yup, it completely safe and a lot of signage along the way!
chaitali f
India
Hi, can I get/ hire a baby stroller at the park?
Alan R
Markfield, UK829 contributions
From memory you are unable to hire a stroller. Not all the walks are suitable for a stroller but there would still be enough to see - the smell can vary - when we were there it wasn't really too noticeable surprisingly enough
Holly M
3 contributions
Hi there, are there any toilets around the area apart from the visitor centre?
I suffer for an over active bladder and have to go quite frequently which is frustrating!
I don’t want to be caught short when walking around. Tia :)
Waiotapunz
Rotorua, New Zealand
Morena Holly,
Unfortunately, we only have two locations with toilet blocks, both being around the visitor centre.
We do hope you still decide to visit Wai-O-Tapu to do at least track 1 which takes about 45 minutes (1.5km, round track)
Safe travels Holly!
kovumonster
17 contributions
Is this place ok to visit if it’s raining?
SmyRiedberg
Frankfurt, Germany37 contributions
Yes it is.
DIANNEQUILL
Wollongong, Australia
I am allergic to sulphur drugs. Does that mean I shouldn’t visit this area because I might have an allergic reaction to the sulphate?
Also, my dad is 87 and can’t walk far. How long is the first walking track?
Waiotapunz
Rotorua, New Zealand
Kia Ora, the first walk is 1.5 km and usually takes people 30 - 45 minutes. We've never really experienced anyone have allergic reactions to the sulfate before so i'd recommend getting some medical advise from coming
TaschaLascha
Owasso, OK2 contributions
Are you able to get into any of the pools?
Marta F
Brisbane, Australia29 contributions
No!!!! It is absolutely boiling hot and some of the pools are too deep and unsafe to go. The rule in the park is NOBODY IN THE WATER!!!!
janet69saffron
Kingsbridge, UK2 contributions
On April 2 as clocks have gone back dose the geyser blow at 10.15 winter time?
Waiotapunz
Rotorua, New Zealand
Lady Knox geyser erupts at 10:15 am Everyday 365 days a year. Daylight saving Doesn't affect her, like everything else.
marshy1991
Rutherford, Australia11 contributions
it this place kid friendly? i have one year old will be safe enough if i carried him?
Raja V
172 contributions
Yes you can. But ensure he doesnt stray away from you
Hi, Is there any place I can put my luggage?
I saw the website said there are lockers.
Is anyone knows how big are the lockers? (so I could know my luggage can fit in there or not)
It's okay. I went there already and they have a place for travelers to put their bags. If anyone wants to go there just ask the crew and you will be fine.
Ingrid J
9 contributions
Hi.
How long do we need to comfortably walk around Wai-O-Tapu?
2Adults1C
Perth, Australia90 contributions
The great thing is that you don't need to decide at the start, there are 3 loops so you do the first loop to the Champagne Pool and see how you feel, then do the second loop to the Bridal Veil and do another check. The first two loops are flat but the third has lots of steps (iPhone said 13 stories equivalent) so this is where our party split up with one group returning to the cafe (1.5 hours total walking) and the remainder continuing on the third loop (approx 45 mins extra). It's a very well designed route. Time depends on how fast you walk and how often you stop to take photos (often in our case - including watching the bird life and chicks in the sulphur pools on the third loop).
Frequently Asked Questions about Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland
- Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland is open:
- Sun - Sat 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
- We recommend booking Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 25 Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland:
- Hobbiton & Rotorua including Wai-O-Tapu - Small Group Tour from Auckland (From $353.64)
- Wai-O-Tapu & Waimangu Full Day Tour (From $144.85)
- Rotorua Highlights Small Group Tour including Wai-O-Tapu from Auckland (From $311.09)
- Hells Gate Excite Experience & Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland Experience (From $606.98)
- Taupo Day Trip with Orakei Korako from Rotorua (From $254.00)
- Hotels near Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland:
- (1.81 km) Waiotapu Hotel
- (6.44 km) Waikite Valley Thermal Pools - Campground
- (10.65 km) Sandara Gardens
- (13.56 km) Golden Springs Holiday Park
- (6.47 km) WaiNot Farmstay located in a Thermal Wonderland
- Attractions near Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland:
- (0.11 km) Lady Knox Geyser
- (0.34 km) Waiotapu Boardwalk/ Mud Pool
- (2.76 km) Kerosene Creek
- (7.97 km) Waimangu Volcanic Valley
- (6.08 km) Waikite Valley Thermal Pools