Rotorua Volcanic Centre

caldera on the North Island of New Zealand

island in Lake Rotorua, New Zealand

Whakarewarewa (reduced version of Te Whakarewarewatanga O Te Ope Taua A Wahiao, meaning "The gathering place for the war parties of Wahiao", often abbreviated to Whaka by locals) is a semi-rural geothermal area in Rotorua, New Zealand. Located in the Taupō Volcanic Zone of New Zealand's North Island, it was the site of the Māori fortress of Te Puia, first occupied around 1325 and known as an impenetrable stronghold never taken in battle. Māori have lived here ever since, taking full advantage of the geothermal activity in the valley for heating and cooking.