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Approximately 20 minutes south of Rotorua, Waiotapu is the region's most colourful thermal park.
Wai-O-Tapu means 'Sacred Water' and it is easy to see why. Hot pools ranging in colour from turquoise blue, rich green and gold to an almost olive/yellow, make the water at Waiotapu a dazzling must see. The array of colours is caused by mineral salts in the water including arsenic, gold and silver.

According to Maori mythology, Rotorua’s Te Arawa people are the guardians of the thermal region of New Zealand. This right came from the early explorations of Ngatoroirangi, a famous Tohunga (spiritual leader) from the Arawa canoe. Rotorua’s spouting hot geysers, mud pools and volcanic fire are said to be the result of Ngatoroirangi’s actions.