Awe-inspiring earth forces

Rotorua is a geothermal city where nature's forces escape bubbling, steaming and hissing from the inner earth.

• Brilliant colours are a feature of Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland's Artist's Palette and Champagne Pool. Lady Knox Geyser plays every day

• Visit the amazing Waimangu Volcanic Valley, formed during the eruption of Mount Tarawera in 1886

• Watch the famed Pohutu Geyser at Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve. Scalding water shoots 30 metres into the sky as the geyser plays almost constantly

• Hell's Gate is another fascinating thermal park. It features the only hot waterfall in the Southern Hemisphere. It also has an on-site spa complex specialising in traditional Maori massage (Mirimiri) and mud baths

• Enjoy thermal pools for long hot soaks in most of Rotorua's hotels and motels

• Be pampered at the Polynesian Spa. Massage, mineral pools and skin treatments will renew your sense of wellbeing

• Gain a different perspective of Rotorua from the air. Choose a flightseeing excursion to White Island (New Zealand's only active marine volcano) or over the gaping red crater of Mount Tarawera (now dormant)