GEOTHERMAL TOURISM IN NEW ZEALAND: BORROWING FROM INTERNATIONAL EXAMPLES

Abstract

Geothermal energy can be utilised for electricity generation and for various other types of heat direct use applications, e.g. industrial process heating, aquaculture, agriculture and bathing. Additionally, countries and regions who have geothermal resources have a competitive advantage as a tourism destination; geothermal resources are a globally rare occurrence. New Zealand currently offers visitors geothermal experiences, predominantly through geothermal tourist parks, and spa and wellness facilities. Are there other opportunities for geothermal tourism in New Zealand that could be developed? This paper compares examples of some alternate approaches to geothermal tourism in Iceland and Yellowstone National Park (USA). New Zealand could borrow from such international examples to pair geothermal tourism more closely with outreach, education and industrial energy use.