Kuirau Park is the only free geothermal public park in New Zealand — a 2.2km loop walk through mud pools, hot springs, a crater lake and one of the country’s most accessible geothermal landscapes, right in the centre of Rotorua. Entry is free, parking is free, and the thermal foot bath is free. It is one of the few places in New Zealand where you can walk through an active geothermal field at no cost, just minutes from the city centre.
Practical Information
| Location | Cnr Ranolf St and Pukuatua St, Rotorua CBD — approx. 500m from central Rotorua |
| Distance | 2.2km loop |
| Time | 30–60 minutes including stops |
| Grade | Easy — flat, sealed paths, suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs |
| Cost | Free (entry, parking, thermal foot bath all free) |
| Open | Open year-round, all hours |
| Facilities | Toilets, BBQs, picnic tables, playground, thermal foot bath, car parking |
| Dogs | Dogs on leash permitted (keep away from geothermal features) |
What to See
Kuirau Park sits on an active geothermal field, and the walk loops past the features that make Rotorua’s geology visible at ground level. The crater lake at the heart of the park formed when this section of land collapsed, creating a shallow steaming pond. Along the loop, mud pools bubble and gurgle with geothermal heat — some actively boiling at the surface. Hot springs emerge through the ground in several sections of the park, and the smell of sulphur is noticeable throughout, a reliable indicator that you’re on an active volcanic field.
The thermal foot bath near the park entrance is a stone trough of naturally heated geothermal water — consistently warm and genuinely therapeutic. It’s a Rotorua institution, free to use, and popular with visitors and locals alike. Removing your shoes and soaking your feet while surrounded by the steaming landscape is a quintessentially Rotorua experience.
The Loop Walk
The 2.2km loop follows well-formed sealed paths throughout — flat, easy and suitable for families with young children and pushchairs. Multiple walkways wind through the park, allowing you to take different routes through the geothermal field on each visit. The path is informally signed and the park is compact enough to navigate without a map; the central crater lake is a useful orientation point.
There is a children’s playground near the southern end of the park, along with BBQ and picnic facilities — making Kuirau an easy stop for a family lunch combined with the walk. The park is well used by Rotorua locals, particularly in the mornings and evenings, and has a relaxed community atmosphere quite different from paid geothermal attractions.
Getting There
Kuirau Park is a short walk from Rotorua’s central city — approximately 500m from the main shopping area on Tutanekai Street. It sits on the corner of Ranolf Street and Pukuatua Street. Free car parking is available on the surrounding streets and in a small carpark adjacent to the park. The park is within walking distance of most central Rotorua accommodation.
“One of the most unique free things to do in NZ. You can literally see the earth bubbling and steaming — it’s an extraordinary thing to be able to walk around for free.” — TripAdvisor visitor review
“We took the kids and they were absolutely fascinated. The foot bath is such a great touch — warm, smells of sulphur, and completely free. Don’t skip this.” — Google review
Rotorua Lakes Council — Kuirau Park — official park information, facilities and access details.
AllTrails — Kuirau Park Loop — trail map and visitor reviews for the loop walk.
Rotorua NZ — Kuirau Park — tourism information and visitor details from the official Rotorua tourism platform.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kuirau Park free to enter?
Yes — entry, parking and the thermal foot bath are all free. It is the only free geothermal public park in New Zealand.
How long does the Kuirau Park walk take?
The 2.2km loop takes around 30–60 minutes at a relaxed pace, including time to stop at the mud pools, crater lake and foot bath.
Is Kuirau Park suitable for young children?
Yes — the paths are flat, sealed and suitable for pushchairs. There is also a children’s playground within the park. Keep children away from the edges of geothermal features at all times.
Is Kuirau Park wheelchair accessible?
The main loop paths are sealed and flat, making them accessible for wheelchairs and pushchairs. Some sections of the park near geothermal features may have uneven ground.
What is the thermal foot bath at Kuirau Park?
A stone trough filled with naturally warm geothermal water, free to use. It is located near the park entrance and is open year-round.
Can you see the mud pools from the path?
Yes — the loop walk passes several actively bubbling mud pools and hot springs at close range (behind fencing). The crater lake is visible from the main path through the centre of the park.
Kuirau Park is a short walk from Rotorua’s city centre. Combine it with the Government Gardens walk to the south-east for a morning of historic and geothermal Rotorua. For more Rotorua walks, see the Rotorua Walking Tracks hub.
