Highlights of the Day
We visited Wai-O-Tapu, a famous geothermal area, starting with the Lady Knox Geyser, which erupts daily at 10:15 AM with the help of plant-based soap, a method discovered by the Māori. The geyser’s eruption was impressive, though smaller than usual. Walking the park’s trails, we admired vibrant geothermal features like the Artist’s Palette and Champagne Pool. In the afternoon, we soaked at Polynesian Spa, enjoying natural mineral waters from Rotorua’s hot springs. The experience was relaxing, with stunning lake views. In the evening, craving homemade food, we cooked braised pork ribs after a quick supermarket stop.
Logistics
Accommodation: ROTORUA ROYAL PALMS RESORT (highly recommended)
Transportation: Rental Car
Wai-O-Tapu is a famous geothermal area that requires advance ticket booking. Its most well-known attraction is the Lady Knox Geyser, which erupts every day at 10:15 AM. After checking in, we rushed to see it.
Even though we arrived more than 30 minutes early, many people were already seated, waiting patiently.
This geyser naturally erupts every 24 to 48 hours. The process is similar to boiling water—hot water rises while cooler water stays on top. When the heat reaches the surface, it triggers the eruption.
A staff member explained that Māori people used to wash clothes near the geyser. One day, someone accidentally dropped soap into the water, and it suddenly erupted. That’s when they discovered they could control the eruption. Since natural eruptions are unpredictable, staff now add a bag of plant-based soap, the same type the Māori once used. As we watched, bubbles formed, steam rose, and the geyser shot high into the air.
Later, I spoke with the Māori staff member who added the soap. He said today’s eruption was relatively small—sometimes it lasts up to two hours and reaches 20 meters high. He also mentioned that as a child, he often swam near another geyser at Te Puia, which we plan to visit tomorrow.
After the geyser show, we walked along the park’s trails and explored various geothermal features. Some still emitted steam, while others had become dormant.
Two sites stood out. The Artist’s Palette displayed a mix of yellow, orange, white, and green colors due to different minerals in the water. The Champagne Pool, a large hot spring, had bright orange and green hues with steam rising from the surface, resembling a glass of champagne.
For lunch, we picked a seafood place. The food was average, but service was quick.
In the afternoon, we visited Polynesian Spa, which uses natural geothermal mineral water from Rotorua’s hot springs. The spa sources water from two main springs:
- Priest Spring, rich in minerals and with moderate temperatures, is believed to help with muscle pain and arthritis.
- Rachel Spring, high in silica, is said to soften and hydrate the skin.
Of course, a single soak won’t have any real healing effects, but it was a great experience.
The spa offers both large pools and private baths. The private baths resembled the ones in Japanese onsens, but instead of wooden tubs, they used natural stone, creating a more organic feel. The view overlooked a lake and distant mountains, making the setting even more relaxing.
Sitting in the steaming water, I could feel the heat rising from deep underground before flowing out through an upper drain. This was true geothermal water, constantly circulating. Mineral particles floated on the surface, giving the water a bluish-green tint, similar to Lake Tekapo’s color on our first day.
The water was so hot that, despite the rain outside, I started sweating. Whether it was the heat or the minerals, I felt completely relaxed afterward. 😃
Craving homemade food, we went to the supermarket, bought some pork ribs and vegetables, and made a comforting bowl of braised pork rib soup.
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