Day 4 (Dec 23) - Waiotapu

Rotorua, which has the nickname “Sulphur City”, is located in one of New Zealand’s most active geothermal areas. The hot springs made it spa-town and tourist attraction since the 1800s. 

We visited Waiotapu (Maori for “sacred waters”), an active geothermal area at the southern end of the Okataina Volcanic Centre, just north of the Reporoa Caldera in the Taupo Volcanic Zone. 

The Reporoa Caldera was formed 230,000 years ago in a large eruption that deposited about 100 cubic kilometers of Kaingaroa Ignimbrites.  The caldera measures 10 x 15 kilometers.

Waiotapu is considered the most colorful volcanic area in New Zealand.

A short drive took us to Taupo, our next destinations where we stayed for 2 nights at a lake-front apartment with an amazing view over Lake Taupo, New Zealand’s largest lake, with the volcanic peaks of Mount Tongariro in the distance.