HEALTH & SAFETY

As safety is of the highest priority for guests visiting Waiotapu Thermal Wonderland, we have comprehensive Health and Safety procedures in place. Twice daily visual checks with record keeping of all walk areas is completed, and the pathways are well-maintained and designed to maximise safe viewing experiences.

The active geothermal area provides numerous natural hazards, and we aim for a zero harm injury rate. To assist us coordinate and achieve this, we have a Health & Safety Coordinator who is responsible for the initiatives throughout the organisation in collaboration with management and the Health & Safety Committee.

Responsibility of customers’ safety while in our park is one of the most important aspects of the management of Waiotapu. Visitors are required to follow the marked tracks, stay behind barriers, obey the safety signs and all children must be accompanied by an adult. We recommend holding hands with young children when walking through the park. Strollers for young children can also be navigated throughout the park’s main Walk One.

Thermal pools can be very hot (over 100⁰C or 210⁰F) or have toxic gases or fumes at the surface. Also, thermal pools can form a thin crust over the top of them that looks like a solid surface, but will break if a person stood on it. Thermal pools can be hidden under vegetation. Please refrain from trying to touch any water or go the edge of pools as you can cause yourself serious harm.

Steam can be attractive to visitors, for your own safety, please refrain from sitting on, standing over, touching or placing any body part over steam vents or crevasses. These can be very hot and cause serious harm to your skin.

Being an active geothermal area with uneven terrain, sturdy footwear is recommended. Jandals, sandals, flip-flops or high heeled shoes are not suitable.

The Lady Knox Geyser is located 2-minute drive from the main Visitor Centre. Visitors MUST drive to this location for safety and parking is available in this area which is well sign posted. The Lady Knox Geyser is presented daily at 10.15am only. The Lady Knox Geyser is fenced off for your protection and our staff are well trained on where they can walk and how to trigger the eruption in a safe manner.

Drones are not permitted within the Waiotapu Thermal Wonderland area. Civil Aviation Authority has strict rules that must be adhered to, and some of those rules apply to this area. These include but are not limited to, not flying directly over people without permission, not flying over private land without permission, drone sight at all times, the danger to fly where other aircraft are operating. We have many helicopters, small planes and domestic aircraft that fly through this area, therefore we are unable to make allowance in this area.

There is NO SMOKING allowed within the attraction. A designated smoking area is sign posted at the front entrance of the Visitor Centre.

Wet weather requires a rain poncho or umbrella. In the summer months, sunscreen and a hat is advised. These items and much more are available for purchase in our retail store.

Covid-19 Policy

Waiotapu Thermal Wonderland continues to minimize the spread of Covid 19. We are committed to keeping our visitors, our staff, and our community safe.

We do this by our staff staying home if unwell, regular cleaning and sanitising of public areas and touchpoints, social distancing where possible, mask wearing as an option.

If you are feeling ill or presenting with symptoms of a cough, a high temperature (at least 38°C), or shortness of breath please stay home and seek advice from Healthline 0800 358 5453.