Walk through geothermal fire
A steaming traverse through New Zealand's volcanic heartland, reimagined as a virtual challenge you complete with your everyday steps.
The Black Terrace route traces 62.9 km through the Rotorua geothermal zone — from silica terraces and the Blue Lake's black-sand beaches to the bubbling neon waters of Wai-O-Tapu's Champagne Pool. The trail passes Inferno Crater, Rainbow Mountain, and naturally heated forest streams.
With Zelus, you walk the real trail coordinates through this volcanic landscape. Your daily steps move you along the route on a live map, unlocking seven milestone checkpoints at landmarks like Lake Tikitapu, Sulfur Point, and Kerosene Creek.
7 milestones along the way
Each milestone marks a real geothermal landmark in the Rotorua volcanic zone. Unlock them one by one as your daily steps add up.
Begin above the silica terraces where steam plumes fold across native bush — the legacy of the lost Pink and White Terraces.
Trace forested ridgelines to the Blue Lake boardwalk and its black-sand beaches, framed by native podocarp forest.
Skim Rotorua's lakeside promenade as the skyline shimmers with geothermal mist rising from the lake bed.
Descend through Waimangu to the electric blue waters of Inferno Crater — the world's largest hot spring, cycling between 30°C and boiling.
Climb the ochre switchbacks for views across steaming vents and the Waikato Plains from the multi-coloured volcanic peak.
Cool down where a forest waterfall feeds naturally heated pools — a free geothermal bathing spot hidden in the bush.
Finish beside Wai-O-Tapu's bubbling terrace where neon water meets ochre rimstone. Route complete — your medal is earned.
How it works
Ready to start walking?
Download Zelus and pick The Black Terrace. Your first steps today count toward the finish line.
Frequently asked questions
How long does this challenge take?
The target is 95 days, but there's no time limit. At around 3 km of walking per day (roughly 4,000 steps), you'd finish in about 3 weeks. Go at whatever pace feels sustainable.
What is The Black Terrace?
The Black Terrace refers to the silica terraces in New Zealand's Rotorua geothermal zone. The route traces a path through this volcanic landscape — from the terraces through boiling lakes, geothermal craters, and native forest to the famous Champagne Pool at Wai-O-Tapu.
Do I need to run?
No. Zelus is built for walking — commuting, errands, lunch walks, pacing on a phone call. Running counts too, but it's not required.
How are my steps converted to distance?
Zelus syncs with your phone's step counter and converts steps into kilometres using a calibrated stride length. Your position updates on the map automatically.
What happens when I finish?
You earn The Black Terrace completion medal, which is permanently added to your profile. Then you can pick your next route from the 14+ challenges available.
What if I miss a day?
Nothing happens — your progress stays exactly where you left it. The goal is consistency over time, not perfection. Pick it back up whenever you're ready.