Our last day down in Rotorua involved a visit to Orakei Korako, so arm yourself with a cuppa and a cake (or two!) and come on a journey with me round this beautiful 'Hidden Valley' which is one of Mum's most favourite geothermal places to visit.
Orakei Korako means 'The place of adjoining' when translated into English and has remained largely unchanged for thousands of years (apart from the changes caused by geothermal activity and unfortunately an earthquake a couple of years ago (more on that later).
You can see in the distance where we will be travelling to....we have to go over by boat.
Our destination...
Watching through the window on the boat, I am so excited.
Almost there, the first sight is this wonderful terrace.
There are safe walkways that protect the environment and also help us get up close to the fabulous sights.
Just look at this.
To keep costs down and to also protect the environment from those who are tempted to just discard rubbish, they don't give out a guide/brochure, but instead have information boards around the site.
To get this close to such an amazing creation by the earth, is just incredible.
The colours are amazing, but don't really show through in these photographs.
Steam rising everywhere.
My person! She loves it here as you can tell by her big smile.
Taking a walk through the bush and the natural beauty is a real treat.
Just look at this!
Apparently scenes from the BBC Natuarl History Series 'Walking with Dinosaurs' were filmed here, and you can well believe it.
It really does look like an Elephant's head!
We pretty much had the place to ourselves, and what a treat that was. Thankfully it hasn't been spoiled by the 'over tourism' that some of the other places have. Its isolation from the outside world has helped preserve it.
You used to be able to go down inside this cave, and the water would clean any jewellery you had on. Sadly due to an earthquake a couple of years ago, it is not what it used to be and is no longer safe to do so, so they have had to close it off.
Looking down into a hole that was bubbling...
Plopping and boiling, bubbling mud.
So peaceful and just simply stunning.
We could have spent all day here, but sadly it was time to go...
Travelling back over the water.
Saying goodbye Orakei Korako.
Our boat driver was a real good sort and proudly posed with me...although I seem to be looking skyward for some reason!
Thank you for being such a good sport!
Just a few panoramic views to end this journey. I hope you enjoyed taking it with me.
wow, that looks so cool! I love the mud pots the best with all their plopping and blooping!
ReplyDeleteThe mud pools are fun to watch, trying to guess where they are going to plop and bubble next!
DeleteA grand adventure, Henry! I know that Tyler & Mikko would have tried to get into the cave even if it was blocked off. What is it about the water that would clean one's jewelry? D.John
ReplyDeleteIt was tempting, I have to admit, but the cave was a shadow of its former self unfortunately. I think it is the chemical make up of the water.
DeleteWhat an amazing expedition you had, Henry. Very beautiful in a bit of an eerie and mysterious way. Looks like you were very suitably attired for you New Zealand.
ReplyDeleteSteve
Thank you, I had so much fun there, and you are right it was in turn quite eerie and mysterious at times.
DeleteThe colours look amazing, Henry, even in the photos. It looks very other-worldly.
ReplyDeleteIt really is an amazing place to visit.
DeleteWhat a marvelous place to visit and walk through. Thanks for sharing your adventure
ReplyDeleteThank you Julie, glad you enjoyed it.
DeleteDear Henry, thank you for taking us along on this marvelous journey. You and your mother are great storytellers. I live on the other side of the world so I will probably never get to see these wonders. I am happy that you have shared them. Regards, Ms. Dorothy
ReplyDelete