New Zealand is one of the most active volcanic areas of the world today. More specifically Rotorua is located in the central Taupo Volcanic Zone, I am slightly biased being a geologist here, but this area has some fantastic sights to see.

The Wai-o-Tapu geothermal area is about half an hours drive south of Rotorua, with a scenic walk set out take in the numerous active hot pools, springs and mud pools. The different chemistry of the hot waters gives raise to the variety of colours seen across the hot pools.

Besides the geothermal sights around Lake Rotorua there are also numerous natural sights to see, including the Okere falls and trout pools, then shown below the crystal clear waters of the Hamurana springs on the northern side of the lake.