Page 348 - Volcano and Geothermal Tourism

Case Study 18

Geothermal Parks in

New Zealand

Richard Roscoe Zone (Cole, 1990). This includes the Ruapehu
and Tongariro volcanoes near its southern end and
Introduction the prominent offshore White Island volcano
towards its north-eastern end. Eruptions have
Since the advent of affordable long-haul air travel, been recorded at each of these in the last 50 years.
New Zealand has developed into a popular tourist In between lie several large calderas such as Taupo,
destination for international travellers, with over Maroa, Okataina, Reporoa and Rotorua, together
1.1 million foreign visitors entering the country harbouring the main geothermal sites. White
for the purpose of tourism in 2008 (NZ Ministry Island (Figure CS18.1) and the mainland
of Tourism, 2009). Further, over 17 million geothermal sites at Rotorua, nearby Waimangu
domestic tourism trips were recorded. The Valley and Wai-O-Tapu are the focus of this case
popularity of New Zealand can be largely study.
attributed to the diversity of its landscapes, All sites have some form of protected status.
including the spectacular volcanic landscapes of White Island is a designated private scenic reserve,
the North Island as well as the alpine landscapes with access only by permit since 1995. Tourists
and dramatic coastlines of the South Island with must use the authorized helicopter or boat
their diverse wildlife. A large proportion of operators to visit the island. Rotorua’s main
international visitors visit the geothermal areas in geothermal field, Whakarewarewa, is in a fenced
and around Rotorua, where the local economy enclosure together with the adjacent New Zealand
receives one third of its income from the 1.5 Maori Arts and Crafts Institute. The latter pays
million visitors it receives annually (one third each tribute to the fact that Rotorua remains a major
from forestry and agriculture makes up the rest; Maori settlement. Wai-O-Tapu and Waimangu
Rotorua District Council, 2008). For NZ as a Valley are both enclosed areas designated scenic
whole, tourism represents about 9.2 per cent of reserves which affords them protection from
gross domestic product (GDP), and accounts for development.
9.7 per cent of total employment (NZ Ministry of
Tourism, 2009). Historical aspects
Geological background Small-scale touristic exploitation of New Zealand’s

and activity geothermal areas started in the late 19th century.
Rotorua rapidly developed as a spa resort for
New Zealand is located at a plate boundary where European visitors after a passenger rail service to
subduction of the Pacific Plate under the Indian- Auckland was established in 1894 (Cooper-Erfurt
Australasian Plate is occurring. Present-day and Cooper, 2009). The beautiful Tudor-style
volcanic activity is restricted to the Taupo Volcanic Government Bath House building, which was

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