Rotorua is a regional hotspot of geothermal activity.

In the heart of this city is Kuirau Park, New Zealand’s only free geothermal public park.

LAKE KUIRAU

One of its many features is a steaming bubbling thermal lake. Walking tracks lead you to areas of dynamic thermal activities.

New eruptions occur from time to time, but it’s generally safe as long as visitors remain on the pathways and the cool side of the safety fences.

Wooden bridges allow you to walk over boiling waters. The experience was thrilling and spooky at the same time!

Imagine walking through a whirlpool of steam rising from a sizzling lake. I felt like I was in one of those Disney movies, a villain surrounded by swirling smoke.

The smell of sulfur and the sound of hissing waters made it more bewitching! It easily became one of my favorite Rotorua experiences.

Read the interesting legend why the God’s were so angry that they made the lake boil…

FOOT POOL

Apart from the crater lake, beautiful gardens, mud pools, hot springs, barbecue picnic area and children’s playground, Kuirau Park offers a free foot pool.

Sit, soak and think of everything or nothing at all.

The area overlooks a serene pond and it feels like the cleansing of your feet reaches the soul as well.

Thank you, dear friend, for bringing me to places like this!