'Geyser' erupts in Rotorua street

An area of central Rotorua has been cordoned off this afternoon after an old bore sprung into life.

The bore, in the service lane by Vetro, sent some dirt and gravel onto nearby roofs and is spraying water and steam about 15m high.

A Rotorua Daily Post reporter on the scene said the geyser was "gushing steam" making for an impressive site.

Police are at the scene and the service lane is cordoned off.

It is understood some shops in the area were made to close because of the geothermal activity.

Rotorua Lakes Council compliance solutions manager Neven Hill said contractors would need to dig down to enable them to shut down the bore and with not enough light left today, the decision has been made to do that work at first light tomorrow.

"Once the bore has been shut down contractors and staff will have a better idea about why it blew this afternoon.

"The area has been cordoned off for safety reasons and we will have security guards there overnight to ensure public safety."

- Rotorua Daily Post