Image: Lukas Marek | Creative Commons
Waiotapu boardwalk overview.
Waiotapu Boardwalk

Located in Maunga Kākaramea, Waiotapu and Te Kopia Scenic Reserves in the Bay of Plenty region

This magnificent thermal wonderland is perfect for a short stop to view the hot, bubbling mud pools.

This magnificent thermal wonderland is perfect for a short stop to view the hot, bubbling mud pools.

This track is very short it is suitable for all types of fitnesses, wheelchair access is also available.  No biking is permitted on this short walk. 

Waiotapu Track is located 27 km (20 minutes drive) south of Rotorua off SH5, turn left on Loop Rd opposite Waikite Rd for 2 km until you reach Waiotapu Track.

Caution: Geothermal hazards

The geothermal landscape is extremely fragile, and is also a potentially dangerous environment.  Visitors should keep to the tracks. Hazards include falling through thin crust surfaces, being burnt by hot geothermal gases or fluids, and inhalation of fatal concentrations of carbon dioxide and sulphur gases. 

  • Keep to managed sites.
  • Keep to the tracks.
  • Do not walk on silica terraces.
  • Keep children under close supervision at all times in geothermal areas.
  • Do not pick plants.
  • Do not ride bicycles.
  • Do not drop rubbish or throw stones onto geothermal features.

Waiotapu thermal area covers about 18 km square adjoining the Rotorua-Taupo main highway about 27 km south of Rotorua.

Steam and gases rising through the pool create bubbles of mud that form and burst.

Waiotapu occupies the site of what was formerly the largest mud volcano in New Zealand. The original cone, present until 1925, is now eroded and vigorously active water and mud fill the pool.