Thermal Hot Spots
New Zealand
Through the North Island's geothermal heart, spectacular geysers, steaming hot pools, Māori culture, and Tolkien's Middle-earth at Hobbiton. From Hamilton through Matamata's Shire to Rotorua's boiling mud and Hell's Gate, and south to Lake Taupo, a caldera formed after one of history's greatest ever volcanic eruptions.
Explore on the interactive map →Stops along the route
- Hamilton
New Zealand's fourth-largest city on the Waikato River. Hamilton Gardens contains 12 themed garden collections and is among the world's most awarded garden attractions.
- Hobbiton
The permanent Shire set from Peter Jackson's films, with 44 hobbit holes, the Green Dragon Inn, and the Party Tree on the Alexander family farm outside Matamata.
- Rotorua
New Zealand's geothermal and Maori cultural capital. Pohutu Geyser erupts up to 20 times daily inside Whakarewarewa, a living Maori village in an active thermal zone.
- Waimangu Volcanic Valley
The world's youngest geothermal landscape, formed after the 1886 Tarawera eruption. Steaming lakes, silica terraces, and the world's largest hot spring fill the valley.
- Huka Falls
The entire Waikato River forced through a 15-metre-wide chasm just 2 km from Taupo, producing a thundering turquoise torrent visible from the walkway above.
- Taupo
A supervolcano caldera covering 616 sq km, formed 26,500 years ago. New Zealand's finest trout fishery, with sweeping views south to the peaks of Tongariro National Park.
Where to Eat
- The Green Dragon InnTraditional New Zealand
Enjoy hearty fare and locally brewed ales in this iconic pub set within the Hobbiton Movie Set.
- Atticus FinchContemporary New Zealand
Savor innovative dishes made from fresh, local ingredients in a stylish setting in Rotorua.
- Dixie Brown'sInternational
Relish a diverse menu ranging from seafood to steaks, with stunning views of Lake Taupo.
Things to Do
- Hamilton GardensGarden
Explore themed gardens from around the world, including Italian Renaissance and Japanese Zen styles.
- Te PuiaCultural Center
Experience Māori culture and witness the famous Pohutu Geyser in Rotorua's geothermal valley.
- Orakei Korako Geothermal ParkGeothermal Park
Discover geysers, hot springs, and silica terraces in this hidden geothermal gem near Taupo.