New Zealand–Third Day

Rotorua an area with geysers, boiling mud pools and thermal springs, Maori culture and beautiful views. I could smell the sulphur lingering in the air, a constant reminder of the thermal activity. I am familiar with the sulphur smell as I use ‘Liver of Sulphur’ a to oxidise my silver jewellery.
I set off early in the morning to explore the thermal mud pools at Whakarewarewa just a short drive from the city.
   
Boiling mudpool (click to watch my video)    Pohutu Geyser(click to watch my video)
   
Thermal springs                                            Maori carvings
   
Sulphur                                                       Blue alkaline pool 31-50 degrees C
After leaving Te Puia, Whakarewarewa, my next was Wai-O-Tapu,  the region's most colourful thermal park. Wai-O-Tapu means 'Sacred Water'. There are hot pools ranging in colour from turquoise blue, rich green and gold. The array of colours is caused by mineral salts in the water including arsenic, gold and silver. I was particularly interested in the Champagne Pool.