Wai-o-tapu and Taupo

Day 7: February 9, 2020

We started our day at Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland. A colourful display of the unique geothermal elements thousands of years in the making.

Lots of steamy and smelly fumeroles!
The Champagne Pool: named for the abundance of carbon dioxide much like a glass of bubbly aka champagne.
The Devil’s BathTub: The luminous lime color comes from the sulphur floating on the surface. Felt like Willy Wonka World.

On the road to Taupo. Once in Taupo, we grabbed lunch along water front at BurgerFuel. Another pit stop at PaknSave for camping prep.

Time for Recovery at Otumuheke Stream, Spa Park

A hot stream flows into the Waikato River
The further you get from the stream the cooler the water as it mixes with the cold Waikato River – the hot spring water was hot tub hot… probably 104 degrees at the top
Found a nice reading spot
Huka Falls behind us. Water from New Zealand’s longest River brings 220,000 litres of water per sec barrel over 11meter high waterfall, a natural hydro power phenomenon.

We make it to our campsite for the night and head to bed early. Our shuttle will be leaving at 4:45 AM sharp.

Full moon out tonight!
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Carla Garces-Redd

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