Waimangu valley is the world’s youngest geothermal valley. Tarawera massif exploded in June of 1886, completely changing the landscape. This valley is the product of that eruption, as a 17 km rift was created by the explosion and is the only geothermal ecosystem created as a direct result of a volcanic eruption and the only New Zealand example of a natural forest bio system re-establishing from complete devastation. We started at the top of the valley and that is where it started. The view is stunning, with lush plant life including these Dr Seuss-like trees and fern trees that are strongly evocative of Jurassic Park. In fact this is also true for other areas where you can see similar trees. Here though, we were certain that we could see Apatasours and Diplodocus or other sauropod dionosaurs (Jim taught me that word), if only we were to spend enough time looking for them. All the erupting ended in 1904. But the bubbling continue.
I have an excellent example here, caught randomly on film. Such luck!
Then we proceeded down The Valley. A sulfuric experience for sure. The water is more than hot, we could have boiled eggs in them, which might have accounted for the aroma. This valley has a series of lakes hot pools, thermal springs. The name itself stems from the most powerful geyser in the word, from the early 20th century, when it would blow for hour, up to 450m into the sky. It’s now dormant. There are other delights: boiling streams, hissing lakes and steam all over. The Inferno Crater Lake refills and empties almost every month, and Frying Pan Lake, basically the worlds largest hot spring. The whole experience was like Yellowstone in a jungle.
Photos to follow:
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