Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland @New Zealand

Waiotapu is Maori for "sacred waters". Waiotapu is an active geothermal area 27 km (20mins drive) south of Rotorua, North Island, New Zealand. It is one of the 20 most Surreal places in the world

Various unique volcanic features can be explored as you walk along the well defined tracks.

There are many different types of pools and aptly named according to the shape and size. The Champagne Pool is by far the most colorful one. Lots of gases are being emitted and the rotten egg smell can be very strong especially if there's wind blowing towards you. This rotten egg smell is associated with "hydrogen sulphide" (H2S).

The wide range of colors in this area are all natural and are due to the mineral elements such as green from colloidal sulphur or ferrous salts, orange from antimony, red-brown from iron oxide, white from silica, purple from manganese oxide and yellow-primrose is from sulphur.

There are many different types of craters and pools along the way. Tourist can choose from three different types of Walk. For example, Walk 1 is 1.5km takes 30mins, Walk 1 & 2 is 2km takes 40 mins and Walk 1, 2 & 3 is 3km takes about 75 mins.

These Walks goes through Scenic Reserve with all native flora, fauna and geological formations strictly protected.

The paths are easy to move around with boardwalks and some nice shades along the way.

I love this picture of natural blend of colors with the hill in the background.

Most of these mud pools and craters are very natural. A very interesting place which must not to be missed if you are in New Zealand. It is classified as one of the 20 most Surreal Places in the world. Entrance fee is $32.50 per person including the Lady Knox Geyser which need to drive out to another site to see the eruption at 10.15 am.

Address:

Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland

201, Waitapu Loop Road, RD3

Rotorua 3073,

New Zealand

Related post on traveling in New Zealand

1. Photos of North Island Attraction: http://secret-spices.blogspot.com/2016/11/my-photos-of-north-island-new-zealand.html

2. Redwoods: Tall Mighty Trees in Redwoods

3. Rangitoto Island at: http://secret-spices.blogspot.com/2015/04/island-attraction-rangitoto-island-new.html

4. Wairere Falls: http://secret-spices.blogspot.com/2015/03/wairere-falls-north-island-new-zealand.html

5. Devonport: Devonport Chocolate Shop

6. Hobbiton - https://secret-spices.blogspot.com/2016/11/awesome-hobbiton-movie-set-tour-in-new.html