Hi!

We will only have time for 1 geothermal area in Taupo / Rotorua.

Out of the following, which one would be most recommended?

1. Wai o tapu
2. Orakei Korako
3. Hells Gate

Also, is it really worth the time to go to the Waimangu Volcanic Valley? Or should we try to go to another geothermal area?

Thanks for your opinions!

This is hard one. I have only visited Wai o Tapu out of your list of three - that was on my first trip to Rotorua.

I also went to Waimangu on that trip. And when I had the chance to pass thru again three years later for a very brief time, I had time for only one place and chose to visit Waimangu again.

I think the difference is that Waiotapu is very "showy" and usually quite busy whereas Waimangu is somewhere you go if you fancy a bit of a walk with the joy of coming across amazing (but low key) geothermal features as you go along, and possibly having them to yourselves.

I guess it's down to personality and preferences. Waimangu does require a lot more time, though.

Cheers

We considered all three, but chose Waiotapu. It was pretty spectacular, and since we were heading to Tongariro National Park that day, it was on our route, which was handy.

Lee Ann

Hi I have been to Orakei Korako 3 years ago and thought it was good.It was in November but there was hardly anyone else there which I found fantastic. Also you have to cross the lake in a boat which added to the fun

Thanks for your replies!

Do you think it is necessary to squeeze out more time and see more than one of these geothermal areas or is just one good enough?

Could you also give me an indication of how long it will take to visit Waimangu? Does it require a very high fitness level?

Thank You so much!