Waimangu Volcanic Valley, Rotorua, March 17

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!  Despite the close proximity of an Irish pub we put the celebration on hold and started the day by going to the Waimangu Volcanic Valley.  

Waimangu Volcanic Valley came into existence on June 10^th, 1886 with the sudden violent simultaneous eruption of several craters on the volcano Tarawera making it the world’s youngest geothermal system.  All plant and animal life was extinguished in an instant. In 1909 Waimangu Geyser came into existence, the largest ever recorded, in 1917 huge steam blasts destroyed the immediate area forming several large steaming sulfur laden geothermal lakes, one of which, called frying pan lake, is still a simmering 131 degrees Fahrenheit. Deep emerald blue lakes dot the park, each one more beautiful than the last one viewed. Mineral laden sulfur springs and numerous fumaroles vent steam into the air everywhere in the park region and colorful mineral deposits rim each body of water. Deep holes boil with temperatures well in excess of 200 degrees Fahrenheit.

The Waimangu Volcanic Valley

Southern Crater

The aptly named Frying Pan Lake has as average temperature of 131 degrees

Bird's Nest Terrace

Inferno Crater

Clam Shell Spring

Marble Terrace

Because it was St. Patrick's Day we stopped for a beer at an Irish pub.  A local decided to join us to chat and gave us a crash course in rugby and cricket.  "Kiwi's" (as they refer to themselves)  are extremely friendly! When we bought two Guinness's the pub gave us a Guinness hat, a local promotion.