Wai-O-Tapu in Rotorua is one of New Zealand’s most active geothermal areas, known for its intense colours, bubbling mud pools, and steaming craters. Highlights include the bright orange and blue Champagne Pool and the daily eruption of the Lady Knox Geyser, both shaped by ongoing volcanic activity beneath the surface.

The name means “sacred waters” in Māori, reflecting the area’s cultural significance as well as its powerful natural forces. Walking trails take you through a landscape that feels almost otherworldly, making it one of the most unique and visually striking stops in the country.