with nature

experienced most intimately. Named by writer George Bernard Shaw after looking at the 50 acre hell-like landscape of rumbling and steaming features, this sanctuary is often is referred to as the Beast of Geothermal Parks. Its pools of boiling mud and gushing fumaroles are violent enough to be unnerving, though the special mud and sulphurous waters have been used for ages, for traditional healing and revitalisation.

Rejuvenating soaks

“Cripples throw away their crutches and the gouty man regains his health,” proclaimed a 1903 New Zealand government report when referring to Rotorua’s abundance of hot and mineral rich water, which has made it the ‘Sauna and Spa’ capital of the world.

As expected, the townscape is sprinkled with spa resorts like Polynesia Spa, Waiora Resort and Waikite Valley, to name a few where hot calcite-laden natural mineral water and a multitude of spa therapies almost guarantee relaxation of the body and soul. Many hotels have utilised the sprouting steam and water to build in-house sauna and spa facilities for their guests as well.

The early Europeans used the heated pools to build luxury bathhouses, like the Romans did in their part of the world. The 20th century Tudor style building which houses the Rotorua