Frying Pan Lake, IN FACT, is the World’s Largest Hot Spring
Do you know where to find the world’s largest hot spring? You might immediately picture a colorful Japanese onsen or one of Yellowstone’s famous geothermal pools. But one of the most remarkable examples is in New Zealand, inside the volcanic landscape of Waimangu Volcanic Valley near Rotorua.
This is Frying Pan Lake, a vast steaming hot spring covering approximately 38,000 square meters (3.8 hectares). Guinness World Records recognizes it as the largest hot spring by surface area. The lake reaches around 200 meters across at its widest point, with an average depth of about 6 meters and a maximum depth of approximately 20 meters. And despite its inviting blue-green appearance, this is definitely not a place for a relaxing soak. Frying Pan Lake maintains temperatures of roughly 50–60°C (122–140°F), and its acidic, geothermal waters make it dangerous for people to enter.
So how did this enormous hot spring form, and what makes it so unusual? Let’s take a closer look.
Frying Pan Lake at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Waimangu Volcanic Valley, near Rotorua, New Zealand |
| Record | World’s largest hot spring by surface area |
| Surface area | About 38,000 m² / 3.8 hectares |
| Temperature | Around 50–60°C / 122–140°F |
| Widest point | About 200 m / 656 ft |
| Average depth | About 6 m / 20 ft |
| Maximum depth | About 20 m / 66 ft |
| Can you swim? | No |
| Geothermal setting | Echo Crater, Waimangu Volcanic Rift Valley |
The record qualification is important. Frying Pan Lake is the world’s largest hot spring by surface area, rather than the largest hot spring by every possible measurement. Guinness separately recognizes other records, such as the largest hot spring by flow rate.
The Formation of Frying Pan Lake New Zealand
Frying Pan Lake has a fascinating volcanic history, but there is an important detail to correct from the original version of this article.
The 1886 eruption of Mount Tarawera created the Waimangu volcanic landscape, but the Frying Pan Lake we see today formed later, following another eruption in 1917.
The 1886 Mount Tarawera Eruption
On June 10, 1886, Mount Tarawera erupted violently in one of New Zealand’s most destructive volcanic events. The eruption devastated the surrounding area, buried settlements, destroyed the famous Pink and White Terraces, and killed approximately 120 people. It also created the Waimangu Volcanic Rift Valley, transforming the landscape and giving rise to a new geothermal system.
Waimangu is now considered one of the world’s youngest geothermal systems, with its development directly linked to the 1886 eruption.
The 1917 Eruption That Created Frying Pan Lake
The story doesn’t end in 1886. On April 1, 1917, another violent eruption occurred in the Waimangu Valley. This event re-excavated Echo Crater, and Frying Pan Lake formed in the crater soon afterward.
This means the original statement that Frying Pan Lake formed “130 years after” the 1886 eruption is misleading.
A much simpler timeline is:
- 1886: Mount Tarawera erupts → Waimangu Volcanic Rift Valley is created.
- 1917: An eruption re-excavates Echo Crater → Frying Pan Lake forms in its present setting.
Today, the lake is heated by the geothermal system beneath the valley. Waimangu says a magma chamber approximately 2 kilometers beneath the surface contributes to the extreme heat.
Frying Pan Lake Hot Spring
Like a pan on a burning stove, the Frying Pan Lake remains in a state that looks like it is boiling. It continues to release steam and various gases with the help of magma located somewhere near the plane of the lake.
Besides the steam and major gases such as carbon dioxide (CO2) and hydrogen sulfide (H2S), you will also easily notice the natural chimney by the lake. The lake’s pH is 3.5 on average. In other words, the lake is acidic and unsafe for visitors.
Tourists can find blue or green algae growing on both sides of the lake. They produce orange carotenoids in the water for protection from UV rays.
In addition, Frying Pan Lake is also home to many thermophilic bacteria, such as bacteria living in extremely hot temperatures and unicellular archaea. Particularly, most of the creatures that lived in this lake are thought to have lived the earliest lives on Earth.
Frying Pan Lake and the World’s Largest Hot Spring Record
If you’re wondering whether the title of this article is actually true, the answer is yes, with one important qualification.
Frying Pan Lake is recognized by Guinness World Records as the world’s largest hot spring by surface area. Its approximate surface area is 3.8 hectares (9.3 acres).
That’s roughly the size of several football fields packed into one geothermal lake.
It reaches approximately:
- 3.8 hectares in surface area
- 200 meters at its widest point
- 6 meters average depth
- 20 meters maximum depth
- 50–60°C average water temperature
So if you see Frying Pan Lake described simply as “the world’s largest hot spring,” it’s worth adding “by surface area” for accuracy.
Explore Waimangu Volcanic Valley
Not only the largest hot spring in the world, but Waimangu Valley also has many other famous tourist attractions. You can also visit Emerald Lakes, Warbrick Terrace, or Inferno Crater Lake with temperatures that can reach up to 74oC.
For those who want to visit the world’s largest hot spring and other sites in Waimangu, you can opt for guided nature walks. You will witness many other wonderful landscapes such as geysers, lakes, craters, bird populations, and plants.
Additionally, you can follow the crater paths, go hiking, or take a cruise at Lake Rotomahana. This is the perfect place to watch the thermal action right on the lakeshore and promises to make your journey a breathtaking adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions About Frying Pan Lake New Zealand
Can you swim in Frying Pan Lake?
No, you cannot safely swim in Frying Pan Lake. Its water reaches around 50–60°C (122–140°F) and is acidic, making it dangerous for swimming or bathing.
Where is Frying Pan Lake located?
Frying Pan Lake is located in Waimangu Volcanic Valley near Rotorua, New Zealand, inside Echo Crater. It is about a 25-minute drive from central Rotorua.
How deep is Frying Pan Lake?
Frying Pan Lake has an average depth of about 6 meters (20 feet) and reaches a maximum depth of approximately 20 meters (66 feet).
What type of body of water is Frying Pan Lake in New Zealand?
Frying Pan Lake is a large acidic geothermal hot spring in Waimangu Volcanic Rift Valley. It is recognized as the world’s largest hot spring by surface area, covering about 38,000 square meters.
Can you visit Frying Pan Lake?
Yes, you can visit Frying Pan Lake as part of the Waimangu Volcanic Valley experience. Visitors can view the steaming lake from designated areas and explore the surrounding geothermal landscape, but entering the water is prohibited.
Conclusion
Frying Pan Lake is much more than a strange-looking body of steaming water in New Zealand. It is the world’s largest hot spring by surface area, a remarkable geothermal feature covering approximately 3.8 hectares in Waimangu Volcanic Valley. Its water stays around 50–60°C, steam rises continuously from the surface, and heat-loving microorganisms survive in its extreme environment.
But perhaps the most fascinating part is its history. The 1886 Mount Tarawera eruption created the young Waimangu geothermal system, while a later eruption in 1917 reshaped Echo Crater and created Frying Pan Lake in its present form.
Today, you can safely admire this extraordinary landscape as part of a visit to Waimangu Volcanic Valley, along with Inferno Crater, geothermal terraces, steaming vents, and Lake Rotomahana.
Just remember one thing: Frying Pan Lake may look like the world’s biggest natural hot tub, but it is definitely not one.
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READ MORE ABOUT NEW ZEALAND
New Zealand is a very beautiful land with vast nature and interesting landscapes. There is not only the world’s largest hot spring but also places that you will be amazed by its specialties. Below are articles that will take you to those interesting lands:
Khoi Nguyen
Khoi Nguyen builds The Broad Life with a desire to inspire people go exploring the world and live a more interesting, experience, and adventurous life. This blog shares the stories, pictures, and experiences at destinations where he has traveled to.
32 Comments
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Khoi Nguyen
I’m sure you will enjoy your trip to the Frying Pan Lake.
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Stephanie
I’ve never heard of this before. It reminds me a bit of going to all the places in Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming USA as there are so many acidic areas like this that are also boiling hot. I’d love to see Frying Pan Lake in person as it looks so different but equally as gorgeous!
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Khoi Nguyen
Yellowstone National Park is surely an interesting place to visit. You will find the same excitement when visiting the Frying Pan Lake.
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LisaLisa
WOW, your pictures are breathtaking! I too have never heard of this before but yes, I would love to visit one day! The Frying Pan Lake Hot Springs..whoaaaaa that looks soo hot
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Khoi Nguyen
I hope you enjoy this place when visiting it.
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Whitney Stewart
This place looks so cool! I’ve never been to New Zealand, much less to a hot spring. So this could be a contender for another family trip! Thanks so much for sharing!
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Khoi Nguyen
You’re welcome!
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Debbie
What a fabulous post! I love the idea of visiting Frying Pan Lake in New Zealand. I’ve always wanted to visit a hot spring and this one looks amazing!
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Khoi Nguyen
There are many cool hot springs in the world, including this one, hihi.
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Beth
This is just one more thing to add to my already large list of reasons that I want to go to New Zealand. That is just amazing.
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Khoi Nguyen
Definitely!
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Olga Vinogradova
Wow, it is interesting name for lake. Also I love these pictures, very inspirational. Our world is beautiful.
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Khoi Nguyen
I agree with you.
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Steve
if I ever get to NZ I will try to get to this place.
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Khoi Nguyen
I’m sure you will like this place.
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Alice Mola
The photos of this place look unreal, the hot spring steam coming off the ground surrounded by lush green makes it look otherworldly. With such high temperatures over 70+C it makes sense that this area is unsafe for visitor entry and those there should definitely be careful!
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Khoi Nguyen
Yeah, those otherworldly and unsafe are probably the main attraction of this lake.
But surely every visitor needs to be careful when coming to Frying Pan Lake.
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Not So Crafty Momma
These pictures are stunning. I have always wanted to visit New Zealand. If I ever get there, I’ll have to visit this hot spring.
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Khoi Nguyen
You will regret it if you don’t visit Frying Pan Lake on your NZ trip.
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MELANIE E
It sounds like such a beautiful place to visit. I’d love to do a guided nature walk there.
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Khoi Nguyen
You will like the place for sure.
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Ntensibe Edgar
Whew! I haven’t seen a hot spring this big before. Thank you for sharing about it. It’s so beautiful.
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Khoi Nguyen
I hope you like the info and the place.
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Gervin Khan
Oh my, this is such a wonderful and so mesmerizing place! Everybody would definitely love this and nature as it’s best! Such an amazing find!
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Khoi Nguyen
Definitely!
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Angela Ricardo Bethea
I love bathing in hot springs, it’s a very comfortable feeling and that place looks absolutely beautiful. Definitely a great place to visit sometime.
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Khoi Nguyen
Yeah, this place is ideal to visit but not for bathing. Please be careful!
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Life With Sonia | Women Empowerment Blogger (@lifewithsonia)
There’s a hot water lake in New Zealand? Now I can’t wait to visit. What I want to know is how and where did the hot water come from? Probably a volcano or something, right?
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Khoi Nguyen
Yeah, it was from a volcano eruption. I mentioned it in the first part of the article.
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Shilpa Bindlish
Didn’t hear of this place ever. Must be a great experience here.
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Khoi Nguyen
I’m sure you will love this place when visiting it.
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Maureen
What a beautiful place to visit! I have not been to New Zealand or a hot spring for that fact but wow, your pictures are just so stunning. Definitely adding this to my travel list of places to see!
Maureen