Volcanoes are extremely interesting, In a very particular way, reserved. In others, obscure and scary. Most likely, what I admire is their force and power to change the planet. There has been 11 super volcano explosions and 6 of them have been around New Zealand. You can’t ignore them, just admire and appreciate them in all its beauty.
Fortunately, New Zealand is full of them. Everywhere you go you will feel their footprint, and you will get lucky if you follow their path as they leave you to real traces of natural artwork. Pure nature, just magnificent.
Our visit to Waimangu Volcanic Valley was just memorable. At 8:30 am we were right at the gate waiting for the opening. No crowds, almost no one around. The park was all ours!
As we had planned to do the walk, we started early. We wanted to cover the 22 points of interest that are recommend and then take the free bus shuttle on the way back. Weather is not too hot, not too cold. You would think, good timing. But in this one, we might recommend to do otherwise. Sleep in! I wish I had!
Turns out that most of the viewpoints for us, were covered in vapor. Although we knew that the most astonishing geysers were hiding behind, we were not able to capture them in all their beauty. That said, the setting was extremely surreal and mystic. Tropical rainforest completely covered in volcanic mist and shy rays of lights filtering through is something you don’t get to see everyday.
As usual, as we walked the day started to run fast. The heat did start to open the vapor and allowed us to discover the breathtaking colors of Inferno Crater Lake, the major highlight of the park. Majestic deep blue body of bubbling body of water posing prideful in front of your eyes.
My husband suggested to go into a second trail (extenuous apprently) to get a better sight and we did hike up hill, to discover that the path was not leading to better viewpoints at all! Dissapointed, we rushed back down. We wanted to admire it from side to side and from top to bottom. Maybe another time.
The views inside this park are astonishing. There is beauty in every corner, light on every side, life is definitely all around. Turns out, hot springs are apparently not just for humans! On our joyful walk we found a huge number of black swans dancing all around. We were next to each other and even then, you could tell they were not even close to feeling uncomfortable. They didn’t expect food or pampering, but they did not wonder away or even worried about us. For the first time in my life, I was pleasantly ignored.
At the end of the path we got to what I believe was Lake Rotomahan. Amazing views, but you might already know that. What is probably important is to mention that at this point we had several options. We could have listened to the birds sing in a special dedicated area they had, we could have taken a boat or -as we did- we waited for the free bus ride. Most of the people had paid $85 NZ for the full experience (guided tour and boat). We had just paid $42 NZ for the 4 km self guiding hike. No regrets there! But is please be aware of the timetables for the shuttle and do better than us!
As usual, we were on a rush. We needed to get back to take a 3 hr boat tour to the Mine Bay Māori Rock Carvings before 1:30 pm. We had more than an hour drive. Luckily, the tour included pizza as lunch. Guess what? After all, we did make it on time.
The boat was small but the ride was very soft. Had awesome pizza and some drinks. We were lucky. We had a very direct and very chill tour guide that was happy to share all the stories. Stories about the volcanoes staring at us in the horizon, stories on the government, stories about healthcare, stories about her past rides. It certainly went fast.
Spoiler alert: the ride can get really windy. Wearing a jacket: not a bad idea to have. Not to panic though, the tour guide did carry extra blankets for those who were unprepared, meaning us.
Once we got to the carving there were people all around. Usually, boats line up so each can take turns facing straight towards the rock mural, so everybody gets a clear view of the site. A brief explanation was given while taking pictures and turning. I had to learn how to multitask- not successfully though, because I know I missed half.
Immediately after, boat anchored up so people could take a splash. Are you kidding me? freezing during the ride and you are asking me to dive into beautiful blue, but cold water having no towel at all?No way, Jose. The thought however, was just mine.
All the people in the boat, including 80+ years old, jumped no questions asked. Five minutes after, they were rushing to swim back. Apparently, there is no salty water to hold you up and yes, as suspected, the water was freezing. How fun! Must do that!
Although the end of the day was near, it wasn’t over. We headed straight into Tongariro National Park just for a short, easy, but very recommended 5.8 km hike. Turns out Taranaki Falls were just across the magnificent views of the greatest super volcanoes that still coexist with nature and interact with a relatively small amount of mankind that dare to walk around.
Exhausted but pleasantly filled by the gifts of nature, we headed back to Rotorua and closed the night visiting the beautiful Government Gardens and the small, but charming Kuirau Park.
Not to miss as they in the middle of town, hanging out as neighbors. Not to miss as they still remind you you are steeping into a deep volcanic footprint. Certainly, you will see some tiny geysers all around, you will feel the hot spring smell throughout. Welcome to Rotorua: day and night.
Wookitu 