Sitting within the Pacific Rim of Fire, the city of Rotorua is known for bubbling mud pools, shooting geysers and natural hot springs. As we planned our trip, we considered basing ourselves here but were warned about the pervasive odor of sulphur. It wasn’t awful but probably a good decision. And it was an easy hour’s drive from our place in Lake Taupo. We arrived the Wai-O-Tapu just in time for the 10am eruption of the Lady Knox Geyser. I couldn’t figure out how they could time this to the hour and found that they put detergent in the hole! The area was amazingly beautiful. I marveled at the bubbling mud pools and the Artists’ Palette was incredible.

The geothermal areas were/are important to the native Maoris and in Rotorua, you can visit villages to watch people use the boiling water to cook, bathe and warm their homes.