Wai-O-Tapu * New Zealand * geothermal wonderland * natural wonders * Maori culture

Travelling New Zealand, you either contemplate great and often breathtaking nature wonders or live thought some extreme man-made pastime ideas. You can also learn about the country heritage – the Maori culture and  Western culture settlement history. Not including the local dishes, wine, and cheeses, of course.

One of those natural wonders you can contemplate is undoubtedly Wai-O-Tapu, the so-called Thermal Wonderland. Wai-O-Tapu is located in the Taupo Volcanic Zone on the North Island of New Zealand. This region is one of the most geothermally active areas in the world, with Wai-O-Tapu being part of the larger Taupo volcanic system, formed over 160,000 years ago due to intense volcanic activity. The ongoing geothermal processes continue to shape the landscape, making it a dynamic and ever-changing site. Wai-O-Tapu is a protected reservation covered by collapsed craters, colorful geothermal pools, bubbling mud pools, and dramatic geysers. The pools vary in size, shape, and color, with hues ranging from vibrant greens and oranges to deep blues and reds.

You walk through a forest and bushes up and down the hill. From time to time, you stop at a lake or a crater with an unusual color, ranging from dark mud to candy green or blue. As many of the waters are hot, steam is sometimes all around you. Given the high temperatures of the geothermal pools and the presence of toxic gases, it’s crucial to stay on the designated paths and avoid getting too close to the edges of the pools. The area is well-marked with safety signs, so be sure to follow them for the own safety.

The absolute highlight is the Champagne Pool, with its hot and sparkling deep blue-green water surrounded by orange fossils. Walking the paths of Wai-O-Tapu, you will see it from various perspectives. How powerful it is can be felt on your way back as you have to pass carefully by through the fumes that come with its bubbles. Its colors are so seducing that you feel a desperate need to stay, watch, and take photos. Yes, indeed, the Champagne Pool is toxic in the actual sense of the word. It gets its name from the constant efflux of carbon dioxide gas, which causes the water to bubble like champagne. The vibrant colors seen in and around the pool are due to the various minerals dissolved in the water. The pool’s deep blue-green water contrasts with the bright orange deposits of arsenic and antimony on the rim, creating a stunning and surreal landscape.

The Champagne pool of Wai-O-Tapu

The place is excellent for taking photos. The colors you see in pictures are the colors you see in reality. Wai-O-Tapu is on a definite must-see list while in New Zealand. It’s advisable to reserve at least 2-3 hours to fully explore Wai-O-Tapu, as there are many unique features to see. Wai-O-Tapu has a visitor center with facilities including restrooms, a café, and a gift shop where you can buy souvenirs. The site is about a 30-minute drive from Rotorua.

Below some photo impressions made within only two hours of a slow walk.

Wai-O-Tapu is a Maori name that translates to sacred waters. The name reflects the area’s importance to the local Maori people, who have a deep spiritual connection to the land and its geothermal features.

The Maori are the indigenous Polynesian people of New Zealand, known for their rich culture, traditions, and strong connection to the natural world. They arrived in New Zealand over a thousand years ago and have since developed a unique cultural identity, characterized by their language (te reo Māori), customs, and art forms like carving and weaving.

The area around the reservation has been considered a sacred site for centuries, with the Maori people using the hot springs and geothermal features for bathing, cooking, and healing. The Maori also have a profound spiritual belief system, where they see themselves as kaitiaki (guardians) of the land. They believe that the area is home to spiritual entities, including guardians and ancestors, and that the natural phenomena are a manifestation of their presence. These beliefs underscore the respect and reverence they have for Wai-O-Tapu, seeing it not just as a physical place but as a living entity imbued with spiritual significance.