Skip the crowded parks and hit this geothermal valley instead. You need the ferry ride across the lake to access the boardwalks, which feels like stepping onto a different planet. Spend about two hours trekking past the Artist’s Palette terrace and the Ruatapu Cave. Avoid the middle of the day when the tour buses roll in. Buy the self-guided tour pass online for $34; it’s cheap, easy, and lets you explore the steaming vents at your own pace.
