Te Whakarewarewa

Rotorua’s main drawcard is Te Whakarewarewa (pronounced ‘Fa-ka-re-wa-re-wa’), a thermal reserve 3km from the city centre at the south end of Fenton Street. This area’s full name is Te Whakarewarewatanga o te Ope Taua a Wahiao, meaning ‘The Gathering Together of the War Party of Wahiao’, although many people just call it ‘Whaka’. Whatever you prefer, the reserve is as famous for its Maori cultural significance as its steam and bubbling mud. There are more than 500 springs here, varying from cold to boiling cauldrons. The most famous spring is Pohutu (‘Big Splash’ or ‘Explosion’), a geyser which erupts up to 20 times a day, spurting hot water up to 30m skyward. You’ll know when it’s about to blow because the Prince of Wales’ Feathers geyser will start up shortly before.