The south-eastern corner of Lake Rotorua, known as Sulphur Bay, is a wildlife refuge where threatened birds live in a harsh geothermal landscape. The 145-hectare refuge is home to the nationally threatened New Zealand dabchick, banded dotterel and black-billed gull, and its gulls are unusual in living in a geothermal setting. The Nature Heritage Trail gives a way to see the birds, and the bay has boiling mudpools, naturally hot water and steam. Mechanically powered boats are not allowed in the refuge, and dogs are not permitted in reserves unless in a designated dog exercise area. The Department of Conservation notes that the water is murky with sulphur, low in oxygen and quite acidic, at pH 3.5. Free parking is available at Rotorua's Government Gardens or the Lakefront, and the car park and boat ramp are at Motutara Point.