The Waiotapu Mud Pools are a free geothermal site of boiling, bubbling mud. Rotorua is known for its geothermal wonders and steam vents often open up in the city - in people’s backyards, on footpaths! These mud pools are an awesome way to get up close and experience the geothermal area, but it does get stinky!

It’s a short two minute walk from the carpark to the pathways and viewing decks to see the bubbling mud pools.

From the carpark, there are several pathways and viewing decks to view the bubbling mud pools.

Remember: This is a fragile environment and hazardous geothermal site. Stay on marked paths, follow any signage and do not attempt to throw anything into the mud pools.

Personal tip: Call me crazy, but this is my FAVOURITE thing to see in Rotorua. There is something so mesmerising and oddly soothing about the constant bubbling of the mud. It’s exciting to guess which one is going to go off next and I could honestly sit here all day and watch!

Pronunciation: Waiotapu: wai-or-taa-poo

For more info, listen to Episode 060 of the Aotearoa Adventures podcast.