Champagne Pool - Waiotapu, New Zealand
CHAMPAGNE POOL - WAIOTAPU, NEW ZEALAND
Located in Waiotapu, on New Zealand's North Island, Champagne Pool is one of the country's most spectacular geothermal attractions; a thermal wonderland. Named after the constant stream of carbon dioxide bubbles rising to its surface, this seemingly magical, undeniably vibrant hot spring is renowned for its emerald green waters, brilliant orange mineral deposits, and drifting clouds of steam. The name Waiotapu comes from the Māori language and means "sacred waters," reflecting the area's deep cultural and geothermal significance.
Measuring approximately 65 metres in diameter, Champagne Pool maintains a surface temperature of around 73°C, making it far too hot for swimming. Instead, visitors can admire its surreal beauty from the surrounding boardwalks while learning about the powerful geothermal forces that have shaped this volcanic landscape over thousands of years.
Beyond Champagne Pool, Waiotapu’s Thermal Wonderland offers an extraordinary collection of geothermal features, including bubbling mud pools, colourful mineral terraces, steaming craters and the famous Lady Knox Geyser, which erupts daily. Together, these natural wonders make Waiotapu one of New Zealand's most remarkable geothermal destinations and an unforgettable stop in the Rotorua region. Each place tells a unique story, beyond the postcard.
From vibrant mineral colours to ancient volcanic activity, Champagne Pool showcases the raw power and beauty of the earth beneath our feet.
The geothermal activity at Waiotapu has been shaping the landscape for thousands of years, driven by the volcanic forces of the Taupō Volcanic Zone, one of the world's most active geothermal regions. Long before it became a visitor attraction, the area was known to local Māori, who named it Waiotapu, meaning "sacred waters". Today, careful conservation helps protect this fragile geothermal environment while allowing visitors to experience one of New Zealand's most extraordinary natural landscapes.