Image: Jaime Apolonio | Creative Commons
Enjoy views over a geothermal area on this short walk near Rotorua.

This short walk provide easy access to the geothermal fields of Te Kopia. Climb a short flight of stairs to reach a viewing area overlooking one of the large pools of boiling mud.

Continue onto the boardwalk to see to prostrate kānuka, a rare and endangered plant that is unique to some geothermal areas of New Zealand. At the end of the boardwalk a platform provides panoramic views from the centre of the geothermal field.

Te Kopia Walk is about 39 km south of Rotorua. At Waiotapu, turn off SH 5 onto Waikite Valley Road. Follow this for about 9 km then turn into Te Kopia Road – the track starts about 8 km down.

Caution: This is an active geothermal area where steam vents can open up unexpectedly. Stay on the track and behind barriers and keep children under close supervision.