• Karen HechingerNew Zealand 2025Traveler
    1View from the visitor centerSmoldering geothermal lakeSW Austrailasian swamphen. Striking colors. (Big feet, no?)Stoats pose a predatory problem in NZ. Traps are not an effective method of controlling themWe caught a geyser eruption!A bus ride back from the lake

    4. Rotorua-Waimangu Volcanic Valley

    April 12, 2025 in New Zealand ⋅ ☀️ 59 °F

    This morning we enjoyed a visit to Waimangu Volcanic Valley.

    WVV is the world's youngest geothermal valley, whose surface activity commenced in June 1886 via a violent eruption. We strolled down the 3.6km gravel path from the visitor center through the valley to Lake Rotomahana, and engaged in a short guided lake cruise. The walk to the lake featured lush forest, smoldering geothermal lakes and streams, stagnant mildewed pools, and multi-colored SW Australian Swamphen feasting on whatever grows in the gross green slimy moss.Read more