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Pohutu

Pohutu is the largest active geyser in the Whakarewarewa geothermal field, located in Rotorua on New Zealand’s North Island. The name Pohutu comes from the Māori language and translates as big splash or bursting forth. It is one of the best-known geysers in New Zealand and a focal point of the Whakarewarewa Thermal Village.

Pohutu eruptions are driven by underground heat and water in the Taupo Volcanic Zone. When conditions allow,

Historically, Pohutu has been noted in Māori tradition and has been a prominent feature of the Whakarewarewa

Today, Pohutu is observed from designated walkways and viewing platforms within the Whakarewarewa Thermal Village. The

steam
and
hot
water
erupt
through
the
surface,
creating
a
tall
plume
and
a
loud
roar.
Eruptions
can
reach
heights
of
up
to
about
30
meters
(roughly
98
feet)
and
may
last
several
minutes.
The
timing
of
eruptions
is
variable
and
unpredictable,
with
intervals
ranging
from
hours
to
days,
rather
than
following
a
strict
schedule.
area
for
centuries.
Since
the
development
of
the
thermal
village
as
a
tourist
destination
in
the
19th
century,
Pohutu
has
been
a
major
draw
for
visitors
seeking
to
witness
a
spectacular
geothermal
eruption.
site
is
managed
to
balance
tourism
with
the
preservation
of
the
geothermal
system
and
the
living
Māori
community,
with
safety
guidance
in
place
for
visitors.