The recent visit from an out of town friend prompted a visit to Wai-O-Tapu to showcase some of the dramatic geothermal landscape that Rotorua is justly famous for. The last I’d visited was many years ago with an overseas visitor and my recollection of all the opportunities was poor. The highlight that I did recall was the Champagne pool that is widely depicted in promotional images for the region.

One sight that I had no recollection of was the brilliant lime green pool with sulphurous margin.

There are a number of walking tracks to explore with birdlife in the surrounding bush. The highlight for me was encountering a pair of foraging Pōpokatea/Whiteheads in the manuka.

Wai-O-Tapu is well worth visit and for Rotorua locals with proof of residence you can apply for a Mai Rotorua card to access discounted entry. This needs to be done in advance but I found the process quick and efficient.

Photos with Nikon Z8 and Nikon 14-30mm f4 S or Nikkor Z 400mm f4.5 VR S