Te Manaroa (Mana — Charismatic, Roa-long lasting) spring has the largest discharge of boiling water in New Zealand, whereby boiling water is discharged at a rate of between 40-50 litres per second at a temperature of 98 degrees Celsius. The depth of the spring is unknown but it is generally thought by geologists that the Waikite Valley system is hydrologically connected to the nearby Wai-o-tapu geothermal field by way of an underground cold water river that then combines with the main column of deeper bicarbonate laden, higher temperatures geothermal fluids before discharging itself here in Waikite Valley. It is also thought that the springs are barometrically controlled; hence Te Manaroa is less active when the air pressure is low and more active when the air pressure is high. Microorganisms found in geothermal hot water systems are believed to be closely related the very first life like forms to appear on earth. They are known as extremophiles due to their ability to survive in very extreme conditions!

Waiotapu (meaning "sacred waters" in Māori) is an active geothermal area located at the southern end of the Okataina Volcanic Centre, just north of the Reporoa caldera in New Zealand's Taupo Volcanic Zone, 27 kilometers south of Rotorua. Known for its vibrant hot springs, the area features attractions like the Lady Knox Geyser, Champagne Pool, Artist's Palette, Primrose Terrace, and boiling mud pools. These natural wonders can be explored on foot, with some areas offering a paid, curated experience. The geothermal area spans 18 square kilometers and was historically inhabited by the Ngāti Whaoa tribe.

Waiotapu has long been a tourist destination and has been protected as a scenic reserve since 1931. A portion of the reserve is operated as "Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland" under a concession. In 2012, Te Arawa Group Holdings, a local Māori tribal business, acquired the operation from the Sewell/Leinhardt family, who managed it for 30 years.

Taupō is a town in central New Zealand's North Island, located on the edge of Lake Taupō, the country's largest freshwater lake. Established as a borough in 1953, it serves as the seat of the Taupō District Council. With a population of about 27,000 as of June 2024, Taupō is the largest urban area in the Taupō District and the second-largest in the Waikato region. Known for its natural beauty, the area offers outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, skiing, and water sports, and features attractions such as the Wairakei Power Station, Huka Falls, and Tongariro National Park.

The name Taupō is derived from the Māori phrase "Taupō-nui-a-Tia," meaning "the great cloak of Tia," named after the Māori explorer who discovered the lake. In 2019, the town's official name was changed to Taupō, with the Māori pronunciation "toe-paw" preferred in formal settings.

Historically, Taupō developed as a tourist destination in the late 19th century, attracting visitors to its hot water pools and fishing opportunities after rainbow trout were introduced to the lake. The town experienced rapid growth in the mid-20th century due to the development of the Wairakei geothermal power station, the timber industry, and farming.

Geographically, Taupō is situated on the northeastern shore of Lake Taupō, within the caldera of the Taupō Volcano. The Waikato River, which drains the lake, flows through the town and over the Huka Falls. The area is rich in volcanic and geothermal activity, with hot springs and the volcanic Mount Tauhara nearby. The satellite town of Kinloch, featuring a Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course, is located 20 kilometers west along the lake.

Huka Falls is a series of waterfalls located on New Zealand's Waikato River, which serves as the outlet for Lake Taupō.

Just a few hundred meters upstream, the Waikato River narrows dramatically from around 100 meters wide to a mere 15 meters as it passes through a canyon. This canyon was carved into sediments from the lake bed, deposited before the Oruanui eruption of the Taupō Volcano 26,500 years ago.

The falls boast a significant water flow, often reaching up to 220 cubic meters per second, ranking them among the highest flowing waterfalls globally. Mercury NZ Ltd manages the flow rate via the Taupō Control Gates, with the Waikato Regional Council overseeing adjustments during downstream flooding. The flow can be controlled between 50 and 319 cubic meters per second.

The falls begin with a series of small cascades dropping about eight meters, followed by a final six-meter drop, which appears as an 11-meter fall due to the water's depth.

Palmerston North, colloquially known as Palmerston or Palmy, is a city in New Zealand's North Island and serves as the seat of the Manawatū-Whanganui region. Situated on the eastern Manawatu Plains near the Manawatū River, it is approximately 140 km north of Wellington. As of June 2024, the city has an urban population of 83,100 and a total population of 92,500. The city's boundaries encompass rural areas and extend to the Tararua Ranges, including nearby towns and villages.

Originally a forest clearing occupied by Māori communities, Palmerston North was settled by Europeans in the mid-19th century, starting with Scandinavians and later British settlers. Named after Viscount Palmerston, a former British Prime Minister, the settlement added "North" in 1871 to distinguish it from another Palmerston in the South Island. The city's early economy relied on public works and sawmilling, later benefiting from the west coast railway and pastoral farming.

The local Māori iwi, Ngāti Rangitāne, were the original inhabitants of the area known as Te Ahu-ā-Tūranga. European exploration began around 1830, with land negotiations starting in 1858. The government purchased the Te Ahu-a-Turanga Block from Rangitāne in 1864, opening the area for settlement. The settlement was surveyed and laid out in 1866, with the first sections sold shortly after.

Palmerston North's development accelerated with the arrival of Scandinavian settlers in 1871 and the construction of a railway line through the city in 1875. The city became a Local Board District in 1876, and land north of the Manawatū River was set aside for a reserve, later becoming the Victoria Esplanade in 1897.

The city has diversified its economy beyond farming, with the establishment of Linton Military Camp, Palmerston North Hospital, and Massey University in the early 20th century. These institutions attracted skilled workers and reduced reliance on agriculture. Popular attractions include Te Manawa, a museum and art gallery, and several performing arts venues.