Our Place
This geothermal valley is a special place, home to Te Arawa people for generations. The environment alone is of enormous geological significance, with thermal activity ranging from boiling mud to the world-famous 30-metre (100-foot) Pohutu geyser, erupting up to 20 times each day. Hot springs, boiling sulphurous pools, silica terraces and bubbling mud pools are among the natural wonders.
Many of these features have an added dimension – our people’s legendary stories about them and about the uses we have made of them in the past.
Native plants and animals
The valley is home to many species of native plants and animals. You can take a guided tour of the New Zealand native bush or you can guide yourself around. Our guides will point out all the native species and describe the many uses Māori find for the natural resources around them.
Our Kiwi Conservation Centre is a valuable part of a national breeding programme. Here you can see our national bird and symbol in a specially lit house, with expert guides and information at hand.
