Geothermal systems and features
"A geothermal system is a region of the earth where the rocks have been raised naturally to higher temperatures than surrounding regions. Active volcanoes constitute regions of unusually high flow of heat and not surprisingly many geothermal systems are associated with young volcanoes. We see in the central North Island a strong link between the major rhyolitic volcanoes and large geothermal systems". From B.F. Houghton 1982. Geyserland: A Guide to the Volcanoes and Geothermal Areas of Rotorua.

New Zealand is rich in geothermal features
An inventory has found 30 geothermal fields with 49 significant features within them, and 67 isolated hot springs. Five of the geothermal fields have been found to be of international significance: Ketetahi, Rotorua, Waimangu, Waiotapu and White Island. A further 8 are of national importance, and 17 of regional importance.
All main types of geothermal features are to be found in New Zealand. They include geysers, hot springs, mud pools, fumaroles, and deposits (sinters, silica terraces).

Most intensive geothermal systems are associated with young and active volcanism, and are therefore located in the Taupo Volcanic Zone, between Ruapehu and White Island. They include all the geysers and other features that discharge boiling water.
A few smaller intensive systems are associated with other areas of young volcanism: in Northland, Hauraki Plains, and the coastal Bay of Plenty.
Many hot springs, particularly in the South Island, are associated with faults and tectonic features.

Vulnerable to human activity
"Of five major New Zealand geyser fields in existence a century ago (Rotomahana, Whakarewarewa, Orakeikorako, Wairakei, Spa) only Whakarewarewa remains with any significant number of geysers active. Rotomahana was destroyed by the 1886 eruption [Mt Tarawera], but Orakeikorako, Wairakei and Spa have been eliminated as geyser fields by human activity. Indeed only one geyser regularly plays now at any one of these areas, and of more than 130 known to have been active throughout the country in 1950, fewer than fifteen (and many of these are at Whakarewarewa) are still erupting" From B.F. Houghton, E.F. Llyod and R.F. Keam 1980: The Preservation of Hydrothermal System Features of Scientific and Other Interest - A Report to the Geological Society of New Zealand.

Many geothermal features have been destroyed by activities such as the construction of roads and buildings, rubbish dumping, extraction of fluid and heat energy, and walking and bike riding off marked tracks. Damage continues today, and many other features are under threat. For more details refer to the joint brochure by Department of Conservation and Environment Bay of Plenty: Rotorua's Geothermal Treasures.
Read also Rotorua Geothermal Management on Environment Bay of Plenty Regional Council's website

Major geothermal fields in the Taupo Volcanic Zone
"The Taupo Volcanic Zone is home to 17 major geothermal fields, including all those in New Zealand that discharge boiling water. These occur here because in this area the crust reaches a temperature of at least 350 degrees at a depth of less than 5 km (3 miles)." From Geoffrey J. Cox and Bruce W. Hayward 1999: The Restless Country - Volcanoes and Earthquakes of New Zealand.

Wairakei: this is the largest geothermal field in New Zealand. Development of the Wairakei Geothermal Power Station resulted in dramatic decline in ground water level, and the loss of all 70 geysers and 170 alkaline springs.

Waiotapu: hot pools, fumaroles, silica terraces. Web site...

Waimangu: Following the 1886 eruption of Tarawera, surface geothermal activity appeared at Waimangu, making it the only field to have been created in historical times in the world. Waimangu Geyser formed in 1904 and continued to erupt until 1904. It was the highest geyser known in the world, its water reported to reach heights of 400 metres (130') or more. Hot pools, fumaroles, sillica terraces. Web site...

Whakarewarewa: location of most of the currently active geysers in New Zealand. Also boiling mud pools and geysers.

Tongariro (Ketetahi Hot Springs, Red Crater and Te Mari Craters): hot springs, fumaroles.

Visit geothermal areas and geysers
Click here to access Natureandco's Nature sightseeing/Geysers page.