Rotorua

Yesterday after visiting the silica terraces at Orakei Korako we continued driving to Rotorua. There was time for one last stop before sunset, at a place called “Mud Pool”. And when they say mud pool, they mean it:

Lots of mud

The next day we started with a walk in Whakarewarewa Forest, where the big redwood trees tower more than 50m above your head. If you love lots of big trees, then this is definitely a place for you.

Big redwood tree

You can also come here with your bike, there are excellent mountain bike tracks criss-crossing this forest.

The final stop in our journey is Hell’s gate.

Hell’s Gate

Mud volcano

Yes—it looks like we are getting quite close. A few of the mineral pools reach temperatures of well over 100°C, with their mineral content preventing them from boiling at a lower temperature.

Don’t go in there.

 

More pictures

Just a few meters away we are in the lush subtropical rain forest again. Amid the forest are the Kakahi Falls, a large hot waterfall, where the Maōri warriors used to bath after coming back from battle.

Kakahi Falls

In some places the gas coming through the vents will deposit bits of sulphur over time, a bit like stalagmites and stalactites.

Sulphur crystals

After our walk through the park there was time for a hot mud bath and sulphur spa. It makes you feel warm and relaxed… and as a souvenir you’ll bring home a bit of the sweet smell of sulphur.

See you around later,
Roeland