Watch: Geothermal activity closes another Rotorua road

Another road in Rotorua has been closed due to geothermal activity forcing its way out of the ground.

Rotorua Lakes Council has set up bollards and cones behind the Rotorua Sportsdrome on Hautpatu Drive due to the activity.

Geothermal activity has closed Hatupatu Drive behind the Rotorua Sportsdrome. Photo / Andrew Warner

It is related to a nearby bore which was causing steam and water to come up through the road. It's thought the event was due to a casing failure, likely caused by ground conditions in the area, council said.

Council staff and contractors have successfully been able to quench a bore that was causing hot water and steam to come up through Hatupatu Drive today," the council said on Facebook.

"Water was used to cool and quench the bore. Water will continue to be poured into the bore overnight to ensure it stays inactive. The bore is to be grouted shut permanently.

Part of Hatupatu Drive remains closed but a detour is in place so the public can still access Oruawhata Drive and Queens Drive.

The council said staff and contractors continued to monitor and assess the situation.

Geothermal activity has closed Hatupatu Drive behind the Rotorua Sportsdrome. Photo / Andrew Warner

Geothermal activity has closed Hatupatu Drive behind the Rotorua Sportsdrome. Photo / Andrew Warner

This comes after mud, water and steam forced their way through Kuirau St after a bore casing failed at the start of the month.

An area of the Kuirau Park had to be cordoned off following the geothermal activity.

Rotorua Lakes Council was asked if the geothermal activity could be linked to a nearby bore, what caused the activity and how long it would last, as well as if the incident was similar to the geothermal activity at Kuirau Park and how long the road could be closed.

The latest event is not considered to be linked to other recent bore-related events.

Geothermal activity has closed Hatupatu Drive behind the Rotorua Sportsdrome. Photo / Andrew Warner