Waikite Valley and Red Wood Tree Walk

Stephens last stop were the Waikite Valley hot springs and thermal pools that are fed by the springs. The springs are on the area of the pools. Quite impressive, the amount of hot water coming out of the earth there and making up a little creek with beautiful flora and mineralic sediments. Then, we enjoyed like half an hour in the pools. It is pretty settings, no question, but, honestly, I probably would have enjoyed it more on a cold autumn or winter day. The water temperatures in the different pools are between 36 and 40°C - just too hot for a summer day😄. Well, before heading back to town, Stephen had prepared some cold ice tea and some crackers. That was nice after the hot bath. Back in town, I felt hungry and treated myself with fish and chips and a Guinness in an Irish Pub. That was not the end of the day yet: I had the crazy idea to walk 5 km to the Red Wood Forest Treewalk (not the same forest like in the morning). The Treewalk consists of hanging bridges between the Red Wood tress, approximately ten meters above the ground (one section - the Highwalk - maybe 20 meters). By night, they have lanterns and light effects. It was nice, a bit crowded though. However, maybe it would have been even more impressive in daylight because in the dark you did not realize the height that much. After the 5 km walk back to the hostel, I felt that it had been a long day😉Read more