The first part we went to see was the Lady Knox Geyser. It was a little odd that it seemed to go off at 10.15 every day like clockwork - but all was explained. There was an auditorium of seats around to watch the event and a guide started the "show" by explaining how adding soap powder changes the surface tension of the hot and cold layers of water making it spout. Apparently it was not the right season for the highest spurts but we were still pretty impressed.
The area was impressive by the selection of minerals in the water and soil that caused a wide variety of colours. Sulphur was responsible for the amazing yellow colour.
Here, the edges of the lake were a vivid red / orange - even brighter than in the photo. And when the light is right, the steam is also red and shimmers over the very blue water.
This is the Primrose Terrace where water pushes silica crystals along which creates dune like patterns and terraces as it solidifies. This is a smaller scale version of the world famous terraces that were lost in the late 19th century volcano.
The Emerald Lake does as it suggests in the right conditions and is very, very green.
In Rotorua we had a lovely apartment with a private mineral bath. However, the picture shows us in the park in the town where there are a selection of free hot mineral foot spas. Lovely. And what was most amusing was that here - in a public area were the best mud pools we had seen. The photos were fantastic.
Another highlight is the Waka or canoe by the lake. The carvings, by a present day local artist, are amazing but what makes it even more special is that it comes out for special occasions and races more than once a year.
Going back to see Dave and Steve now in Auckland to wash our clothes and do a bit more sightseeing before we head off to New York.
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