Today we set off early to visit Wai-o-Tapo, the geothermal area between Rotorua and Taupo, and saw our first NZ frost. The inland temperature was much cooler than in Tauranga, but the sun eventually broke through and we have enjoyed clear blue skies all day and about 12 degrees (17 degrees in Tauranga). Wai-o-Tapu means Sacred Waters and is within the Taupo volcanic area. The entire area is covered with volcanic craters, boiling mud pools, and lakes and pools of hot and bubbling water.
The Champagne Pool is the largest of the pools and is 65 metres wide and 62 metres deep- the surface temperature is 74 degrees C, and the bubbles are formed by carbon dioxide. Water from the pool overflow into an area called the Artist's Palate and the cooling waters expose minerals to the atmosphere which dry in a variety of colours. The colours are seen throughout Wai-o-Tapo and, for example, antimony is orange, sulphur is yellow, iron-oxide is red and ferrous salts are green. The resulting colour contrasts are lovely to see.
The Lady Knox Geyser, pronounced guyzer and not geezer, erupts every day at 10.15 as a result of soap being put into its' water. At the beginning of the 20th century, the geothermal area was an open prison and the prisoners worked clearing the area and planting it with native bush and Kanuka and Manuka (tea tree, named by Captain Cook who made a tea like drink from it). They used the hot water at the geyser to wash clothes and discovered by accident that soap caused it to erupt up to 20m metres high. Biodegradable soap is now used!
Enjoy the video and think of Wai-o-Tapo when you next drink champagne!
More to follow soon.....................................................................................
More to follow soon.....................................................................................
