Highlighting the Toxic Beauty of Waiotapu, New Zealand

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What was brewing underneath the crust of the earth is spewing wonderfully at Waiotapu, New Zealand. This geothermal activity has been the source of wonder for locals and tourists alike. The rising steam puts the place in an eternal fog contrasting with the marvelous blue sky that New Zealand is known for.

However, the old saying about how looks can be totally deceiving doesn’t end in humans. It certainly applies in nature, too, as we set our sights in this stunning toxic beauty you wouldn’t mind admiring.

LOCATION

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Waiotapu, which means “sacred waters” at the Māori language, is located in New Zealand’s Taupo Volcanic Zone. This geothermal area lies at the southern end of the Okataina Volcanic Centre north of Reporoa Caldera.

This 18 square kilometers of land is landlocked by many notable tourist spots as well in New Zealand such as the Rotorua lies 27 kilometers in the north, Napier in the south, New Plymouth in the West, and the little place of Tuai at the east.

CLIMATE

The area enjoys the classic four seasons – winter, spring, autumn, and summer – that defines the type of activity you would likely enjoy. Winter carpets the area with crisp snow going below freezing point, but with an average temperature of 12 degrees Celsius.

Summer, on the other hand, reaches up to 22 degrees Celsius, good for walks compared to the winter’s fresh water fishing activity. Spring on the other hand happens at October, which is a good time for some trout fishing. Autumn, however, brings an end to the fishing season, but still offers outdoor activities to compensate. This season starts at the end of April.

TRANSPORTATION

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Located in the central region of New Zealand’s North Island, and lying at only around 30 kilometers to Rotorua Airport, Waiotapu isn’t hard to get to.

Landing at Rotorua Airport, you can travel by the SH5 route for about 20 minutes. There is also a coach terminal in Rotorua that can service you if you’re not planning on driving by yourself.

ATTRACTION

Lady Knox Geyser

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Geysers are rare occurrence happening only at five countries in the world with New Zealand one of them.

This geyser is induced by the surfactants in order to erupt daily, lasting for about an hour and reaching a height of 20 meters. The cone-shaped base was due to the formation of silica after years of eruption.

Primrose Sinter Terrace

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This terrace of mud flats is from the overflow of Champagne pools, depositing its sulfur-rich water over the Artist’s Palette in, which in turn will flow over the Primrose Sinter Terrace.

It is the largest silica deposit in the Southern hemisphere and is very fragile.

Artist’s Palette

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This piece of geothermal wonder has been just absolutely stunning just when the light of day and the dark of night are in their transition.

The sulfur-rich water certainly captures the light and will simply rob you off your speech at this otherworldly sight. However, this is not the only thing fascinating at the Artist’s Palette. It is also an active bird nest among all others.

Champagne Pool

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900 years in the making, Champagne Pool is the pride and joy of Waiotapu. It brags not one, not even two, but a variety of hues that will certainly get you giddy by simply looking.

Yes, you can only look at this geothermal wonder, because this is no way like your hot spring spa. The water in here is bubbling that reaches up to 74 degrees Celsius due to high sulfur content and CO2.

Images
(1)http://www.astaroundtheworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/asta-skjervoy_wai-o-tapu_05.jpg
(2)http://www.goway.com/media/uploads/maps/australia_and_south_pacific/new-zealand-large.jpg
(3)http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/39/2007_Scania_K124_12_litre_diesel_with_12_seat_downstairs,_57_upstairs_Kiwi_double_deck_body_at_Rotorua_in_2013.JPG
(4)http://static.panoramio.com/photos/large/73233285.jpg
(5)https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3320/3274784962_8aa1732aca_o.jpg
(6)http://fc04.deviantart.net/fs70/i/2011/098/0/5/artists_palette__wai_o_tapu_by_capturing_the_light-d3djhx3.jpg
(7)http://content.paulreiffer.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/champagne-pool-witches-brew-wai-o-tapu-rotorua-geothermal-park-paul-reiffer-landscape-photographer@2x.jpg

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