Wednesday 4 January 2017

Geothermal Wonders

Part of New Zealand's attraction for us was its unique and accessible geothermal wonders: volcanoes, fumaroles, geysers, bubbling mud pools, boiling hot springs, silica terraces and surreal colourations. The most active area for viewing these wonders was around Rotorua and Lake Taupo in the North Island.

It seemed a bit overwhelming at first trying to choose the right venue. It can get very expensive as most of these natural attractions are privately-owned and all charge a separate admission fee. It could really add up if you weren't careful. We picked a couple of things to see, but, after viewing the Wai-O-Tapu (Sacred Waters) Thermal Wonderland park, we didn't feel the need to go anywhere else as the sights there were everything we'd hoped for and more.

The colours were surreal, starting here at the Devil's Bath. The vivid colour is the result of the water mixing with sulphur and ferrous salts.


The edge of the Champagne Pool is tinted with minerals in the water: gold, silver, mercury, sulphur, arsenic, thallium, antimony and more.


This boiling spring was a putrid yellow.


The most stunning feature had to be Champagne Pool, 65m in diameter and 62m deep. When the hot, sulphurous, mist enveloped you, it was very hard to breathe.


Smaller features like this fumarole were fascinating too.


This hot spring was aptly named the Oyster Pool.


The waters of Lake Ngakoro were a brilliant green.


The boiling mud pools were a spectacular sight. There was just something fascinating and satisfying about watching the mud bubbling and gurgling and we stood there a long time.



The Lady Knox Geyser reaches heights up to 20 metres. Although it definitely wasn't that high the day we were there, it was fun to watch regardless.


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