Scientific value

The systems that form and power the natural features in the Rotorua geothermal resource have attracted significant scientific research over the years.  Research on the Rotorua field has furthered the evolution of geothermal systems theories and led to the development of a sophisticated field model. Since 1991 when Environment Bay of Plenty became responsible for monitoring the geothermal field the Council has spent:

• $970,000 on monitoring the Rotorua geothermal field;
• $75,000 on forming geothermal models;

In total $3.9 million has been spent on monitoring the Rotorua geothermal field since 1982. The Geological Society of New Zealand (GSNZ) have identified the entire Rotorua geothermal field as being of international significance. The GSNZ claim that the field is currently at risk due to exploitation of the geothermal resource and other influences such as ongoing volcanism. Whakarewarewa is believed to be one of only two major geyser fields in the world that exist in their natural state which renders it of particular value. 

Other individual features in the Rotorua geothermal field have also been registered as being of international significance including:

• Pohutu Kereru
• Prince of Wales Feathers
• Te Horu Geyser
• Waikorohihi Geyser
• Mahanga Geyser 
• Roto-a-Tamaheke

Individual features which have been registered as being of national scientific, scenic or educational importance include:

• Korotiotio
• Kuirau Lake
• Ngamokoaiakoko
• Ngapuna Spring
• Ngarearatuatara
• The Ororea group of springs
• Papakura 'Geyser' 
• Parekohoru
• Puapua
• Whangapipiro Spring
• Waikite Geyser

Features of regional scientific, scenic or educational value include:

• Government Gardens
• The Ohinemutu-Kuirau Spring System
• Wairoa (non-active) Geyser.