Waimangu Volcanic Valley south of Rotorua.

Rotorua Geothermal Activity is Everywhere

Frying Pan Lake, Rotorua
Photographer: Waimangu Volcanic
Valley
(www.waimangu.com)

From the moment you enter Rotorua, you know you are somewhere quite different. Sneaky threads of steam issue from parks, pathways and streets and the occasional scent of sulphur wafts through the air—a hint of what's in store.

And you don't need to look far. Minutes from the Rotorua city centre, geysers of steaming water roar from the ground. Pools of bubbling mud gurgle and belch. In geothermal fields around Rotorua, steam rises from placid lakes and flowing streams. Dazzling silica terraces display a kaleidoscope of colour. Towering volcanoes, now sleeping giants, are unmistakable reminders of the landscape's turbulent past. Extinct volcanic craters provide the vessels for Rotorua's crystal lakes.

And to round off a day of geothermal exploration, relax in pools of naturally heated mineral water and experience for yourself why Rotorua is called 'Nature's Spa of the South Pacific'.

Boiling Mud, Rotorua
Photographer: Tourism Rotorua
(marketing@tourism.rdc.govt.nz)

Rotorua Geothermal Attractions

Evidence of Rotorua's steamy underground is everywhere. Some major geothermal attractions include:

Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland - Brilliant colours are the beautiful feature of this thermal wonderland.

Waimangu Volcanic Valley - Visit this amazing volcanic valley which was formed during the 1886 Mount Tarawera eruption.

The Pohutu Geyser - Located at Whakarewarewa Thermal Valley, this geyser can shoot water 100 feet or 30 metres skyward.

Hell's Gate - A truly spooky Thermal Reserve.

Waimangu Volcanic Valley - The water in Hot Water Creek and springs is about 50 C. White silica formations and traces of antimony, molybdenum, arsenic and tungsten create the spectacular array of colours.

Waituhi Lookout, between Taumarunui and Rotorua.

When you order a coffee in New Zealand, you need to know the terms. Flat white is the most popular.

Background: NZ coffee guide Zest Food Tours explain New Zealand coffee terms: espresso / short black - basis for all coffee styles, espresso is full-flavoured, fragrant, with a velvety body and lingering after-taste; single serving in a demi-tasse (small cup) macchiato - a single or double espresso shot, just stained with frothed milk long black - single serving of espresso, with the same amount of hot water added; served in large cup filled to just under the top, or sometimes with the water provided separately flat white - one third espresso, two thirds steamed milk with a touch of swirled froth cappuccino - regular espresso with equal parts steamed milk and foam, sprinkled with chocolate or cinnamon caffe latte - regular espresso, topped with hot milk and little or no froth mochaccino - one third each of espresso, steamed milk, cocoa ristretto - (‘restricted’) is 15-20ml of espresso, the essence of coffee piccolo latte - miniature latte made with ristretto and 70ml of steamed milk; delicate flavoursome drink affogato - espresso served over ice-cream espresso Romano - espresso served with a twist of lemon latte macchiato - steamed milk with espresso on the side espresso con panna - espresso topped with a dash of whipped cream cortado - Spanish version of the piccolo served in a 60ml demitasse cup fluffy - for kids, a demi-tasse filled with foamed milk, sprinkled with chocolate and served with marshmallow on the side and a small chocolate fish. Add to this the selection of vessel - cup, mug, bowl, glass; type of milk - full cream, regular, semi-skimmed, skimmed or skinny, soy; and number of shots, and you start to build a picture of the menu board in most New Zealand cafés. Related Links Other Sites •  New Zealand Coffee Guide website •  Zest Food Tours website

Whangamomaona, once a bustling frontier town is the only place to stop for a bite to eat or a flat white along the Forgotten World Highway.