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Waiotapu
Waiotapu
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Waiotapu, also spelt Wai-O-Tapu is an active geothermal area at the
southern end of the Okataina Volcanic Centre, just north of the
Reporoa caldera, in New Zealand's Taupo Volcanic Zone. It is 27
kilometres south of Rotorua.
Due to dramatic geothermal conditions beneath the earth, the area
has many hot springs noted for their colourful appearance, in
addition to the Lady Knox Geyser, Champagne Pool, Artist's Palette,
Primrose Terrace and boiling mud pools.
These can mostly be viewed through access by foot, and in addition
to a paid and curated experience, naturally forming hot springs
appear around the area. The geothermal area covers 18 square
kilometres. |
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Prior to European occupation the area was the homeland of the Ngati
Whaoa tribe who descended from those on the Arawa waka (canoe).
The area has a long history as a tourist attraction. While the area
has been protected as a scenic reserve[ since 1931, a tourist
operation occupies part of the reserve under a concession. It
operates under the name "Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland". The
business was bought in 2012 by Te Arawa Group Holdings, a local
Maori tribal business, from the Sewell/Leinhardt family, who had run
it for 30 years.
Getting
There
At Wai-O-Tapu the New Zealand State Highway 38 begins. It
crosses Kaingaroa Forest, passes Murupara, and then continues as an
unsealed road through the mountains of Te Urewera, along Lake
Waikaremoana to Wairoa on the border of Hawke Bay.
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