Champagne Pool: A Geothermal Gem in New Zealand’s Wai-O-Tapu Wonderland
The name Champagne Pool suggests a luxurious fountain of Dom Pérignon or a revitalizing mineral pool at a plush spa. However, New Zealand’s Champagne Pool is a sizzling volcanic hot spring crowned by a continuous row of delicate bubbles created by an endless stream of carbon dioxide. The Champagne Pool’s average surface temperature is 165 degrees Fahrenheit, which is, unfortunately, far too hot for a leisurely soak. Even though the Champagne Pool is off-limits to swimmers, the pool’s vibrant colors and dramatic, steamy surface still attract plenty of onlookers.
Photo by depositphotos.com
Located in the Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland in Rotorua, the Champagne Pool is part of an expansive network of mud pots, geysers, and thermal pools formed in the wake of a massive volcanic eruption. The majestic Lady Knox Geyser is proof that geothermal activity at Wai-O-Tapu is still as lively as ever, with a daily eruption at 10:15 a.m. Visitors can view an impressive jet of water and steam that shoots nearly 65 feet into the air.
The Champagne Pool is one of Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland’s star attractions, celebrated for its brilliant orange, green, and ochre coloration, resulting from mineral deposits such as gold, silver, and arsenic. Visitors are mesmerized by the Champagne Pool’s peridot green waters, punctuated by dainty bubbles. The Champagne Pool truly does look like a giant crater full of bright green bubbly.
Many visitors consider the Champagne Pool to be Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland‘s shimmering crown jewel. Visitors routinely lose track of time as they gaze into the Champagne Pool’s lively, colorful waters. Spending the day exploring one of Earth’s most surreal and captivating geothermal sites is just as good, if not better, than sipping on a glass of Dom Pérignon or soaking in a luxurious pool at a swanky spa.
UnusualPlaces Field Notes
- Location
- Champagne Pool, Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland, Rotorua, Bay of Plenty, New Zealand
- Coordinates
- -38.35912, 176.36896
- Access
- Champagne Pool is reached on foot inside the paid Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland. The operator directs visitors to marked walking tracks and warns visitors to stay on paths around geothermal features. Do not touch or enter the hot pool. Champagne Pool is an interior feature, not the visitor-centre entrance; Lady Knox Geyser is a separate drive and stop.
- Admission
- A Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland ticket is required; there is no separate Champagne Pool fee. The operator sells tickets online and at the visitor centre. Ticket prices can change, so check its current booking page before travel.
- Time needed
- The operator’s walking map places Champagne Pool on the first loop, about a 30-minute walk from the visitor centre. RotoruaNZ says the wider park visit can take as little as 30 minutes; allow longer for other loops and photo stops. Lady Knox Geyser is a separate stop.
- Best season
- The operator is open year-round except Christmas Day and does not name a preferred season. Weather and track conditions can affect the visit. Follow current signs and stay on marked tracks around the active geothermal features.
- Opening hours
- Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland is open seven days, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m., with last admission at 3 p.m.; closed Christmas Day. Lady Knox Geyser’s 10:15 a.m. presentation is a separate stop; the operator advises arriving by 9:45 a.m.
- Location checked
- 2026-11-02
- Facts checked
- 2026-11-02
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