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Beschrijving
Sulphur Bay Wildlife Refuge is a 145-hectare geothermal sanctuary on the southeastern shore of Lake Rotorua, just beyond the Rotorua Museum. The walk follows tracks and boardwalks along the lakeshore, passing steaming vents and bubbling mud pools. The route goes past Sulphur Point and continues all the way to the jetty at the tip of the small peninsula, offering excellent viewing opportunities over the bay.
A main attraction is the large numbers of gulls roosting on exposed rocks or gathering in huge flocks visible from the jetty. Silver Gull dominates, but nationally endangered Black-billed Gull is also present, along with Kelp Gull and occasional Caspian Tern. Also spectacular is the large numbers of New Zealand Scaup in the bay, along with New Zealand Scaup, geese, and other ducks, and Australasian Grebe.
Cormorants are well-represented with Great Cormorant, Little Black Cormorant, and Little Pied Cormorant all present. Waders include Pied Stilt and White-faced Heron. The trees along the walk and on the adjacent golf course attract Tui, New Zealand Fantail, Grey Warbler, Silvereye, and introduced bird species.
The geothermal environment is harsh: the water is acidic (pH 3.5) and low in oxygen due to sulphur suspensions, and birds are sometimes seen with foot webbing damaged by the acidic conditions. Despite this, threatened species still like to hang out here. The walk can be done as a round trip by continuing along the shore, taking roughly two hours to complete.
Details
Toegang
Sulphur Bay Wildlife Refuge is within walking distance of Rotorua city centre. The walk begins from Government Gardens, to the right of the old Bath House building and to the left of the Polynesian Spa. Free parking is available at the park.
Follow the boardwalk and tracks along the lakeshore past Sulphur Point to the jetty at the tip of the peninsula. You can return the same way or complete a circuit by continuing along the shore, circling the golf course back to the park. It is roughly 500m to Sulphur Poin, about 1.3km to the tip, and the loop is just over 2.4km. Dogs are not permitted. Stay on designated pathways for your own safety and to avoid disturbing nesting birds.