Wai-O-Tapu (in the Maori language “sacred waters”)
Active geothermal area at the southern end of the volcanic centre of Okataina, north of the volcanic zone of Lake Taupo. Due to the dramatic geothermal conditions underground, the area has many hot springs that are characterized by colour.
Wai-O-Tapu Wonderland Thermal
Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland is a spectacular example of New Zealand’s most colourful and unique geothermal features.
The park represents a unique and different natural landscape – it is one of the largest geothermal systems in New Zealand, covering an area of over 18 km2.
Artist´s Palette
Champagne Pool
New Zealand’s largest hot spring is 65 meters in diameter. The depth is 62 meters and the surface temperature is 74 degrees Celsius. Carbon dioxide in the water causes small bubbles on the surface – like in champagne (hence the name). It is estimated that it originated 700 years ago by a hydrothermal eruption. The water contains some minerals such as gold, silver, mercury, sulphur, arsenic, thallium.
Some moments from the park
Devil´s Bath
The Devil´s bath is full of lime-green mud, which can peel off your skin. But despite this fearsome fact, it is one of the natural wonders that attract a lot of tourists, especially small children.
Walking in the park
Mud Pool
A mud pool is a kind of acid hot spring or fumarole. It usually takes the form of bubbling mud because acid and microorganisms decompose the surrounding rock into clay and mud. Mud is usually white to greyish, but sometimes it is coloured with reddish or pink spots of iron compounds.
Lady Knox Geyser
The Lady Knox Geyser is named after Lady Constance Knox, the second daughter of Uchter Knox, the 15th Governor of New Zealand. The geyser erupts every day at 10:15 am by dropping a surfactant into the vent. The eruption produces a stream of water reaching up to 20 meters. Since the geyser was discovered in the early 20th century, it has no Maori name, like most thermal elements in New Zealand.
Buying souvenirs at the end of our visit …
Kerosene Creek
Natural hot springs surrounded by dense forest and tiny paths. Hot water from a natural spring below the ground bubbles into the cool waters of the stream, creating pleasantly warm water and offering a natural bathing experience like no other.
Our experience: because I am a hot tub lover, I really wanted to enjoy this unforgettable experience. Unfortunately, the reality was that after jumping into the water (the water was only around my ankles), I felt that my body was cooking alive. It was definitely not warm water, but like boiling soup. So our bathing ended before it started.
On the way, we continue further north to the town of Rotorua.
