Driving north we stopped at Rotorua Lake for a couple of days. From there we took a day trip out to Waimangu Volcanic Valley which was a really amazing experience. We arrived fairly early in the morning so it felt like we were the only ones in this weird alien landscape. Formed relatively recently, it’s amazing to think that this now lush area was a complete wasteland following an 1886 eruption. Since then plants and animals have fully returned to form a fascinating and unique ecosystem.
The beach in Rotorua was also an active geothermal area
We drove through what looked like the Shire on our way to Waimangu. The actual Hobbit village movie set is not far away
Crater lake at Waimangu
Steam in the distance
So mesmerizing to look at
Bridge over steamy water
A little stinky
Mars?
Love the picture of the cloudy water cutting through salty rock.