Wairakei Geyser, NZ (February 19, 2026)
I’m lucky enough to have seen some incredible geysers in my lifetime. Today combined the witnessing of an amazing geyser in New Zealand with an impressive Geothermal System. The short version is that Wairakei Geothermal Field is New Zealand’s oldest and largest (by electrical generation), is the world’s second geothermal power station, and the first to utilize flash steam from geothermal water as an energy source. We didn’t just witness, we bathed in these mineral waters.
Behold Wairakei Geothermal Field (now with the Carmody’s)
Imagine unlimited hot water and (with some extra effort) energy coming up from the volcanic lava flowing beneath the surface. Elena asked, “I wonder how hot this water is?” to which Violet immediately answered “212 degrees Fahrenheit.” I looked around for a sign, but Violet looked at me and said, “That’s the temperature at which water boils. Water doesn’t get any hotter than that.” Smart kid! Yes, makes total sense, and that factoid didn’t come to me so quickly today looking at the geyser.
The REAL prize for today: Soaking in this set of 5 hot spring pools
You may not be able to see all 5 hot springs from the picture above, but this is why we came here today. Why 5 separate hot springs? So that each person can choose a temperature that’s right for them. To top pool (prominently pictured) gets up over 40 degrees celsius (104+ fahrenheit). The pool beneath that pool drops down to 35 and the next 32. With a side pool getting up to 38. Each has a different temperature so that you can “heat up” or “cool down” as desired.
What’s more, there are 13 distinct “healing minerals” that we were soaking in today: Silica, Sodium, Potassium, Magnesium, Arsenic, Lithium, Manganese, Sulfate, Calcium, Chloride, Fluoride, Boron, and Iron. Imagine that. Feels like soaking in a hot tub and meanwhile there are healing properties being absorbed by our skin. Love it!
Beautiful and significant Maori statues on this sacred land
While there are hot springs all over New Zealand, this particular spot is the trifecta of being the epicenter for a major power plant, resort-like facility as well as a historical site for the Māori. According to the Wairakei Terraces website, “Significant natural thermal springs, mud and silica waters found in geothermal areas, have long been used by Māori for bathing, healing and wellness.” While you can go directly to the pools, there’s also an option to walk around the property and see some of the Māori artifacts and historical context, which we did.
Ta Moko and the origin story of the face tattoos
When the Māori receive tattoos, it is a sacred part of their culture. The hut above is an example of a designated ares where these rituals and tattoos can happen. There’s also a story behind how these face tattoos came to be:
From a temporary decoration to a permanent tattoo
This relatively short walk around the grounds was filled with helpful and resourceful information like the examples above. This is a wonderful example of how history, culture and education can be experienced rather than simply taught in a book or classroom. The art of discovery, when possible, makes a big impression and helps to shift thinking and perspectives. This was really well done.
The other lesson that really stood out for me is learning what at “Waharoa” means. A Waharoa, as the sigh indicates, is a traditional Māori gateway (or entranceway) with special significance, as it serves both practical and spiritual functions. It’s a welcoming signal that you’re entering a sacred space. The carvings represent and embody ancestors and spiritual guardians used to protect the space. And it combines the cultural identity of the Māori people by conveying their history, values and traditions. Now when I walk beneath a Waharoa I will have a better connection to what the Māori people intend as I walk.
And this beautiful dog was there to greet us at the end of our tour
I love all the animals that roam free in New Zealand. This dog was a pleasant surprise at the end of our tour. Super friendly, loves people and just wanted to be pet. The only animal friendlier than this dog is the neighborhood cat that greets us ever day when we return to our AirBnb residence here.
Friendly neighborhood cat here to make us feel right at home.
When I think of New Zealand, I’ll remember all the incredible wild life here. The birds, cats and dogs have all made this a particularly magical adventure.
This visual will forever remind me of all the wildlife in New Zealand
And Violet see’s an “upside down” Italy. I hadn’t clocked that before, but now I see that image too when I look at New Zealand. As we begin to wrap up our month here (and plan for our next adventure in Fiji), I’m taking mental photos to lock in this time in our journey.
