"Hell in Paradise" Waiotapu by Assenczo

Waiotapu Travel Guide: 6 reviews and 22 photos

Thermal palette

The Soap Giant

Wai-o-tapu is part of the thermal wonder world of Rotorua and its environs. It is a destination on its own as far as the NZ parks are concerned and a separate ticket is charged for the entrance. There are no surprises here – practically every hole in the area is fenced off and exploited. What is good about this state of affairs is the fact that the nature lovers are supplied with the stuff NZ was famous for – its bush. No more sheep and grass in sight. All the indigenous species of flora have been reintroduced for the best back drop a geyser might want. To avoid paying many times for more or less the same thing (if money is a concern of course), one needs to plan more carefully. Many of the similar “venues” offer entertainment – folk shows with Maoris just pulled out of oblivion, and promises for gourmet climaxes coming out of earth pits. While one might wonder about the authenticity of similar activities, nothing can overshadow the natural brilliance of the thermal action. In this sense Wai-o-tapu is touted as “the best” of its kind and without knowing the competition I have to admit that I was stupefied. The area includes a mighty geyser, huge hot lake, numerous bubbling “pans” and many wildly coloured cool basins.

Pros and Cons

Pros:Two for one - hell in paradise
Cons:Cordonned off and charged up
In a nutshell:NZ at its most original

Last visit to Waiotapu: Aug 2007
Intro Updated Nov 9, 2007
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Reviews (3)

Trekking the "anomalies" Things to Do (1)

The only thing to do around is to immerse oneself in the natural beauty of the colourful lakes, pans and geysers. For... more travel advice

Maori village Tourist Traps (1)

There is a Maori village between Rotorua and Wai-o-tapu. Jokes aside, it was closed!? Probably being a Maori does not... more travel advice

Getting there Transportation (1)

Car is the best option. It allows you to visit the environs of Rotorua at your own pace. Wai-o-tapu is about 25km from... more travel advice

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Comments (3)

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kiwi Sep 16, 2009 at 7:31 PM

I'm trying to work out how fencing off dangerous boiling vents, is exploitation. You have a very righteous opinion. So often heard from your region of EurAsia.
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Ina22Marina Feb 14, 2009 at 4:54 PM

..he-hee, funny, too ;-))
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craic Dec 12, 2008 at 2:58 PM

interesting