On the way from Taupo to Rotorua, we stopped at the excellent Waikite Vallley Thermal Pools. These are some thermal pools fed by a boiling spring. The pools were great fun (and free to anyone camping at the adjoining campsite):
The spring itself was amazing, with boiling water gushing out of the ground. It was hard to get a good picture of the spring due to all the steam.
As the stream flows down the valley, minerals can be seen that have been deposited as the water, still close to boiing point, evaporates:
The vegetation around the stream looked rather unusual.
We were told that some of the ferns in the area are only found here and in the Amazon Rainforest.
The folks who operate the spa were in the rather unusual situation of having to find a way to cool the water down to a bearable temperature. They did so using this contraption:
Some of the water then flows into the spa pools, still steaming:
Waikite was a great place to stay. We tried to stay another night but, annoyingly, the xampsite was fully booked.
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