Rotorua.

Unfortunately John had to visit a doctor to get some treatment for an ear infection this morning. Paul opted for a “Hobbit” experience and so Trish and I headed off on the Thermal Tour of the boiling mud pools, colourful hot springs, followed by a visit to a geyser.
The mud pools were very hot and it was amazing to see the mud bubbling up from the earth. Really convenient cooking facility for early Maori.
The hot springs were colourful due to the different minerals in the various springs. The yellow / lime green colour was produced by sulphur. Some pools had multiple colours.
We had walked down a significant way when we were told there was a bus waiting to take us back to the top as we had to go to see the geyser eruption. Phew - we were quite pleased not to have to undertake the mountain climb back.
Off to the geyser which erupted on cue thanks to a very entertaining Maori chap who added soap powder to create a chemical reaction which sped up the process.
We saw a mural done of a view before the 1917 “Frying Pan Flat Explosion”. Prior to this event there was a hotel on the site and guests would walk down a path to view the Waimangu Geyser. You can now look at a very different view. Hotel, footpaths and vegetation were all destroyed by this explosion.
Mother nature is truly awe inspiring.Weiterlesen