Taupo and Rotorua
We spent a few days around Taupo and Rotorua in June 2004, looking at all things geothermal. Rotorua is a little bit sulphurous but not too offensive to the nose. Taupo is lovely and must be bustling in the summer.
The drive from Wellington along the desert road is spectacular, with great views of Tongariro, Ngauruhoe and Ruapehu, the three volcanic peaks to the west of the road. On the other side of Taupo a few kilometres out of town on the road to Rotorua clouds of steam billow across the road from the Wairakei geothermal plant and the Craters of the Moon. The more impressive geothermal features in the area have been turned into tourist attractions and there are also numerous spas, especially in Rotorua. We found the parks well managed, with geothermal activity to rival even Geyser in Iceland, although slightly expensive.
If you're not keen on boiling mud and geysers there is still plenty to do; swimming and boating on lakes Taupo and Rotorua, soaking in a hot tub, or even going to sheep shearing exhibitions or the Prawn Farm!
Highlights
Geothermal attractions:
- Wairakei power plant miles of shiny pipes and lots of steam
- Craters of the Moon even more steam, boiling mud and water and a real lunar appearance
- Orakei Korako a boat trip across the river to see loads of geysers, coloured silica terraces and a hidden cave
- Whakarewarewa smallish park but it has the biggest geyser, a kiwi house and traditional Maori song, dance and craft demonstrations
- Waimangu a beautiful walk past some truly impressive geothermal features, including the largest hot water spring in the world. There's also an option to take a cruise on the lake. Probably our favourite park to date
- Wai-O-Tapu the only large thermal park we didn't visit - we just ran out of time!
Giant redwoods
Growing near Rotorua. Lovely hiking trails.
Sleeping
Caboose Hotel
Taupo - where we stayed. It has a nice atmosphere but there's a real problem with parking and I wouldn't say it was particularly good value.
Orakei Korako
Would be lovely if you wanted somewhere quiet to stay. It's a bit tucked away and you'd really need your own transport but it's a beautiful setting and very relaxing.
Rotorua
Has any number of hotels, motels and B&Bs to choose from.
