Waiotapu
Waiotapu is another favourite thermal area to visit. It lies 30km south of Rotorua. The Lady Knox Geyser is the crowning glory here and is guaranteed to be frequented by hordes of other tourists. The geyser is induced to erupt punctually at 10.15am by the staff (who throw something in the water). The eruption is normally 10m high for a few minutes and then dwindles to about 5m and lasts for approximately an hour in all. There's also a walking track which passes little lakes of various hues ranging from purple to yellow. There's the beautiful Champagne Pool from which swirling steam rising from its green innards over and above its orange shelves. There's also the aptly named black Devil's Ink-pots and the Artist's Palette amongst their features.