New Zealand / Local Council

Rotorua sinkhole filled after woman suffers serious burns

11:38 am on 2 August 2022

A geothermal sinkhole in Rotorua has been filled in and steam vents installed, after a woman fell into it and suffered serious burns last week.

Rotorua sinkhole filled up on 30 July 2022. Photo: Supplied / Rotorua Lakes Council

Rotorua District Council said the repair work went to plan and the site would continue to be monitored.

Whakarewarewa Village remains closed to visitors. WorkSafe and Rotorua Lakes Council have been investigating the incident.

The sinkhole was on Tyron Street, on a footpath leading into the village, and was about 2m long and 1m wide and deep.

The woman, who is visiting from Perth, Australia with her husband, was transferred to Waikato Hospital on Friday.

Rotorua sinkhole on 28 July 2022. Photo: Supplied / Rotorua Lakes Council