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Best geothermal destinations in Oceania

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Rotorua
Geothermal Wonders and Māori Culture
8.2
The Te Arawa people settled the Rotorua area in the 14th century and built a pā at Ohinemutu. Today the Whakarewarewa valley has the Pōhutu Geyser and Te Puia, which covers about 70 hectares. Mud pools and hot springs are found there too. Sulphur gives this city the nickname Sulphur City.
Highlights:
  • 🛷 Experience thrilling rides at Skyline Luge tracks
  • 🚡 Ride the Skyline Gondola for panoramic views
  • 🌋 Explore the colorful thermal pools at Wai-O-Tapu
Taupō
Volcanic Lake, Adventure and Hot Springs
8.2
Steam rises from the ground near this town at the Wairakei and Orakei Korako geothermal fields. The Wairakei power station opened in 1958 to turn underground steam into electricity. Lake Taupō fills a huge crater left by a major eruption in 232 CE. The lake is a short drive from the steam fields.
Highlights:
  • 🌋 Explore the geothermal wonders of Craters of the Moon
  • 🛶 Kayak to the famous Māori Rock Carvings at Mine Bay
  • 🌊 Witness the thunderous power of Huka Falls
North Island
Geothermal Wonders and Māori Culture
8.6
The Taupō Volcanic Zone is about 350 kilometres long and 50 kilometres wide. It runs across this island from Mount Ruapehu to White Island. Its geothermal fields include Waiotapu, Wairakei and Orakei Korako. White Island has been active since 1826, which shows how restless the ground here is.
Highlights:
  • 🌃 Walk along Auckland’s Sky Tower observation deck
  • 🧙‍♂️ Visit Hobbiton and stroll through the Shire movie set
  • 🔥 Explore the geothermal wonders of Rotorua’s hot springs and geysers
Wai-O-Tapu
Soothing geothermal waters amid lush landscapes
This geothermal area covers 18 square kilometres and is 27 kilometres south of Rotorua. Lady Knox Geyser erupts every morning after staff add soap to the vent. The water jet can reach about 20 metres. Prisoners found the effect by accident in 1901 while washing clothes.
Highlights:
  • 🍲 Taste local Maori cuisine in a traditional marae
  • 🥾 Hike to the vibrant Wai-O-Tapu crater
  • 🛁 Explore geothermal pools at the Pink Baths
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