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Key facts
- Distance
- Not confirmed on the checked DOC page; see individual route sections
- Walking time
- 2 min one way
- Track grade
- Easiest
- Location
- Maunga Kākaramea, Waiotapu and Te Kopia Scenic Reserves
- Dog access
- No dogs. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Checked against official sources on 8 October 2026. Rules and conditions are set by Department of Conservation — confirm with them before you go.
Route overview
This magnificent thermal wonderland is perfect for a short stop to view the hot, bubbling mud pools.
This DOC directory entry covers Waiotapu Boardwalk in Bay of Plenty, within Maunga Kākaramea, Waiotapu and Te Kopia Scenic Reserves. Where DOC groups several walks, times and grades refer to the listed options rather than a single continuous itinerary.
Distance, time and grade
- Distance: Not confirmed on the checked DOC page; see individual route sections
- Walking time: 2 min one way
- DOC grade: Easiest
Access and alerts
Source checked 2026-10-08. This page is a dated snapshot, not a live track-status report. Check current DOC route information immediately before travelling. An absence of listed alerts does not establish that a route is open.
- Wallaby control on Maunga Kākaramea and Waiotapu areas; First published on 30 September 2026.
Dog access
No dogs. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Description
This magnificent thermal wonderland is perfect for a short stop to view the hot, bubbling mud pools.
This track is very short it is suitable for all types of fitnesses, wheelchair access is also available. No biking is permitted on this short walk.
Getting there
Waiotapu Track is located 27 km (20 minutes drive) south of Rotorua off SH5, turn left on Loop Rd opposite Waikite Rd for 2 km until you reach Waiotapu Track.
Know before you go
Caution: Geothermal hazards
The geothermal landscape is extremely fragile, and is also a potentially dangerous environment. Visitors should keep to the tracks. Hazards include falling through thin crust surfaces, being burnt by hot geothermal gases or fluids, and inhalation of fatal concentrations of carbon dioxide and sulphur gases.
Keep to managed sites.
Keep to the tracks.
Do not walk on silica terraces.
Keep children under close supervision at all times in geothermal areas.
Do not pick plants.
Do not ride bicycles.
Do not drop rubbish or throw stones onto geothermal features.
Nature and conservation
Waiotapu thermal area covers about 18 km square adjoining the Rotorua-Taupo main highway about 27 km south of Rotorua.
Steam and gases rising through the pool create bubbles of mud that form and burst.
History and culture
Waiotapu occupies the site of what was formerly the largest mud volcano in New Zealand. The original cone, present until 1925, is now eroded and vigorously active water and mud fill the pool.
Sources and reuse
Route descriptions and practical information reproduced from the Department of Conservation, Crown copyright, under CC BY 4.0, subject to DOC's copyright policy. Formatting has been adapted, including flattening page sections; follow the original DOC page for maps, section-specific layout, current notices and linked documents. Outdoor Next is independent and is not endorsed by DOC.
The accompanying photograph is a licensed general hiking illustration, not a photograph of this route.
