Orakei Korako

Three weeks in New Zealand - 4/12 - 5/4/2024

Martinborough/Wellington
Breakfast in Wellington
Poppies Winery
Palisser Estate
Moy Hall Winery
A stroll in Wellington
Dinner @ Charley Noble
Wellington at Night
Ferry Crossing

Day 6 - Orakei Korako continuation, Taupo - 4/16/2024

Elephant Rock is a natural sinter formation that remarkably resembles the head and shoulder of an elephant. This unique structure is not only a visual marvel but also an active fumarole, emitting steam from the earth's depths. The formation's lifelike appearance and geothermal activity make it a standout feature in the park.

Artist's Palette

A hot spring along the way. These naturally heated bodies of water are formed by geothermal activity beneath the Earth's surface.

Pathway inside the park.

Spanning approximately 32,808 square ft., the Artist's Palette is a level terrace formed by silica sinter deposits that fill an ancient hydrothermal eruption crater, estimated to have formed between 8,000 and 14,000 years ago. The remnants of the crater walls now create steep, steaming ridges surrounding the terrace.

The name "Artist's Palette" reflects the terrace's stunning array of colors. The mineral-rich waters and microbial life create a spectrum of hues, ranging from deep blues to fiery oranges, making it a true masterpiece of nature’s artistry.

The terrace measures about 492 ft. in length and varies in width from 114 to 377 ft. Its surface is adorned with clear blue alkali chloride pools, steaming vents, and irregularly erupting geysers. These features are complemented by vibrant colonies of colorful microbial mats, which have established themselves along the pathways of the flowing water, painting a living canvas of nature's artistry.

The amount of water discharging from the springs onto the sinter terrace fluctuates continually. Water levels can vary, with the terrace sometimes covered by a shallow flow of hot alkali chloride water. The geysers on the terrace erupt at irregular intervals, adding to the ever-changing landscape.

Ruatapu Cave, also known as the "Sacred Hole" or "Aladdin's Cave," is a rare geothermal cave located within the Orakei Korako Geothermal Park. It's one of only two known geothermal caves globally, making it a unique natural wonder.

The cave descends approximately 45 meters into volcanic tuff, a rock formed from consolidated volcanic ash deposited around 100,000 years ago. At its base lies Waiwhakaata, or the "Pool of Mirrors," a clear, acidic hot pool with temperatures around 111°F and a pH between 2.1 and 3.0. Steam and hydrogen sulfide gas rise from the pool, contributing to the cave's unique mineral formations and altering the surrounding rock.

The cave extends 147 ft. into the surrounding rock and descends for 75 ft..

View of the Artit's Palette as we are going up

Mud pools scattered throughout the walking trails of the park, especially near the Golden Fleece Terrace and in areas closer to active geothermal vents. The trails are well marked, and elevated boardwalks ensure a safe and close viewing experience.

Mud Pools

Like many features in Orakei Korako, the mud pools constantly change with geothermal pressure shifts and mineral deposition.

You'll hear a characteristic gloop-gloop and see plopping and bubbling as gases escape through the thick mud.

Moving along inside the park.

As we walked further the scenery changes.

The park's walking paths wind through areas rich in native flora, including tree ferns and other indigenous plants. Notably, the path leading back to the beginning of the track passes through a tree fern forest, offering a refreshing contrast to the geothermal activity .