What it is
Kuirau Park is an active geothermal area inside the town, fenced in places where the ground is unstable. Paths lead past a steaming lake, bubbling mud pools and hot springs, and there are shallow pools where visitors can warm their feet. The park takes its name from a story of a woman, Kuiarau, who was seized by a taniwha living in the lake; the gods made the water boil to destroy the creature.
The field is still changing: small hydrothermal eruptions have thrown out mud and rocks, notably in 2001, and new vents appear from time to time. A Saturday market is held at the park, which also has a playground and open lawns.
Getting there by bus
Route 9 (Springfield - Rotorua CBD) stops at Ranolf Street - Haupapa Street (stop 3178), about 240 metres from the park, around a three-minute walk, and at Ranolf Street - Fronting No. 1232 (stop 3180).
Most city routes, 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11 and 12, stop at Amohia Street (stop 3000), about 400 metres away, and routes 1 and 6 also stop at Rotorua Hospital on Pukeroa Street (stops 3193 and 3194), about 450 metres away.
