Exploration of the rotorua geysers in New Zealand

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We visit the rotorua geysers on the North Island of New Zealand in search of Pohutu, the greatest active geyser of the southern hemisphere

We ray Rotorua before we even put a foot into the city: an unholy triad of stinging sulfur, clogged drainage and lazy eggs. Rotorua was built on a geothermal hotspot and is a place of moving primeval world: boiling mud basin, hot springs, steering chimneys and breaking out geysers.

The most important among the rotorua geysers is Pohutu, the largest active geyser of the southern hemisphere. Pohutu, which means "constant injection" on Maori, is located in the thermal park TE PUIA, which extends over 70 hectares of the historic geothermal valley TE Whakarewewarewa.

Pohutu is considered the most reliable geyser in the earth. It breaks out once or twice an hour and sometimes reaches a height of 30 meters. Eruptions last a few minutes and can last much longer. From 2000 to 2001 Pohutu broke out for an incredible 250 days.

We spent a day in Rotorua, starting with the Te RA + HAKA experience in TE PUIA, followed by the Redwoods Treewalk nearby-a perfect example for this famous city on the north island.

haka at Te Puia

When we drove to Rotorua, we noticed that the street signs were in two languages: English and Maori. In stark contrast to neighboring Australia, New Zealand has three official languages: English, Maori and New Zealand sign language compared to Australia's English.

We experienced a deep pride in the New Zealand Maori heritage and an encouraging level of integration. Rotorua is a particularly good place to learn something about the Maori culture, since 34 % of the population of Maori, compared to 15 % of the total population. Rotorua is also a good place to experience the Haka life, the intimidating war dance, which was famous for all Blacks by the New Zealand Rugby team.

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We feared that it would feel a little replacement to see the Haka in a tourist environment, but we still booked one. I cannot say that the shiny starting sign over the stage felt very authentic, but it was entertaining - not least because Peter was chosen as the chief of the tourist trib.

We spent a fun hour to watch the Haka and the traditional POI dance before we reluctantly agreed to participate in the audience. Of course we have destroyed all evidence that we tried the dances ...

Rotorua-Geysire at Te Puia

After the Haka, we set off to explore the Rotorua geysers. Near the famous Pohutu is the geyser Te Tohu, who, in honor of a visit to the British royal family in 1901, is also known as a "Feather" geyser, in which the guests noticed a similarity between the pen of Te Tohu and the feathers on the coat of arms of the Prince of Wales. Te tohu is also known as the "indicator" because he usually breaks out shortly before Pohutu.

Tours guided are included in the ticket price, but we preferred to explore the rotorua geysers on our own. That does not mean that we did not need professional help; We made our way to Pohutu after seeing a group of tourists who had gathered around a guide and asked us if it would explode. Unfortunately it wasn't like that and so we settled to wait.

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Atlas & Boots

Pohutu kept teasing us, spitting and gorgee, but never broke quite through. After exactly an hour we were rewarded with tremendous vapor and sudden surge of water until Pohutu finally burst.

The most reliable geyser of the earth did not disappoint us. Huge water rays shot several ten meters into the sky in a huge eruption that lasted several minutes. It was encouraging to see that it had so much strength. Pohutu was once very endangered to fizzle out when the residents of the area used holes to tap the geothermal resources of the valley. Fortunately, a program to close the Pohutus Natural Majesty has preserved.

We spent the rest of the morning to explore the natural mud basin and hot sources before we went to the nearby Redwoods Treewalk.

Redwoods Treewalk near Rotorua

When Te Puia is a place of mud puddles and goblins, then the Redwoods Treewalk is the opposite: a fairytale forest that is suitable for Disney.

In a way, the forest is a microcosm of New Zealand itself. Its towering trees may be famous for their California roots, but the Treewalk is clearly kiwi: beautiful, exciting and yet strangely overflowing.

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The 553 m long Redwoods Treewalk, which uses environmentally friendly technology, crosses 22 Majestic 116-year-old redwood trees over 23 suspension bridges that are 6 to 12 m above the ground.

We spent 45 minutes to meander on the way and to learn something about the history of the forest as well as the people on site and the country.

On the whole, it was not the most dizzying thing we did in New Zealand (more about this in the coming weeks), but it was a peaceful, invigorating way to spend an afternoon - a must on her rotorua route.

Rotorua geysire: The essentials

What: Exploration of the Rotoroua Geysire and the Redwood Treewalk.

Where: We roamed the North Island of New Zealand in an Apollo Campervan. We loved the flexibility and spontaneity of the #Vanlife, as we did not have to plan or book transport or accommodation in advance. We simply selected where we go and what we want to see at the beginning of every day.

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Our Euro Tourer Campervan was designed and included heating and air conditioning, shower and toilet, a fully equipped kitchen with microwave, gas stove and refrigerator as well as a double bed that could be converted into a seat and a desk or dining table during the day. Book a place on a top 10 campsite for additional amenities.

When: The best time to travel for New Zealand is SEP-APR. Summer (December to February) offers excellent hiking weather and a variety of festivals and events. The temporary seasons autumn (March-Apr) and Spring (SEP-Nov) have nice weather, fewer crowds and lower prices.

like: Explore the rotorua geyser with the TE RA + HAKA experience in TE PUIA and book the Redwoods Treewalk nearby. Book a motorhome at Apollo Motorhome Holidays. Driving in New Zealand is extremely easy in view of the broad streets, the excellent infrastructure and the relatively few cars - perfect for exploration with the motorhome.

We flew from Great Britain via Singapore and Australia to New Zealand. For longer stays at the Changi Airport in Singapore, we recommend the Plaza Premium Aerotel Transit Hotel for those who need sleep and the Plaza Premium Lounge to relax away from the fray. We used both during our 19-hour stay, as well as the free city tour!

Book flights at the best prices via Skyscanner.

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Lonely Planet New Zealand is a comprehensive travel guide for New Zealand, ideal for those who want to explore the most important sights as well as to choose less busy roads.

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