Northbound Part 2 Hot Stuff

On our way to Lake Taupo we noticed a sign for Tokaanu Thermal Walk, and we decided to take full advantage of having a car and took a short detour.


To our surprise the Thermal walk was really interesting and as it would turn out, the best thermal walk we did in terms of getting up close and personal with the various hot water springs. The walk takes about twenty minutes and is free. Here's a few pics to give you an idea of what the route is like.

And here's a few of the hot water springs. The water is so hot the Maori cooked food in the springs. You cannot see the bubbles in the photographs but the water is actually boiling.

After the walk we availed of the Tokaanu Thermal Pools, there is one large public pool and about 15 private pools. We decided to give the private pools a go and it is well worth a try. Oh my God are they warm. The experience is akin to slowly getting into a very hot bath, except that the water doesn't get colder. You get 20 minutes in the pool for around $14 each and believe me you will not need any longer. We lasted about 15 minutes and that was after getting out for a little while. Our hearts were racing and our bodies tapped of all their energy by the time we got out. A few minutes later after a nice cold shower however and we were rejuvenated.

The next day saw us head out on part of the Thermal Explorer Touring Route, north of Lake Taupo, our next stop being the Craters of the Moon. It is a 45 minute walk and costs $5. The walk is actually free, but there is a charge for volunteers to watch your car while you are on the walk. Being a Pedantic Pat, I wanted to tell the lady at the kiosk that I didn't have a car and therefore assumed the entry was free, just to see her reaction. Alas, we did have a car and my neck is not quite thick enough in any event.

It was the least interesting of the three areas we visited and if you are short of time, my advice would be to give this one a miss. It is very different from the other two, having said that, and if you have the time and energy it is worth a quick visit. (Have I contradicted myself in the same paragraph? Too tired to care at this point).

Our last stop at the Orakei Korako Cave & Thermal Park, was the highlight for it's sheer diversity. You pull up adjacent to Lake Chakuri and get a boat across to the park after you have paid your entry fee. Here's a picture looking across the lake. (I couldn't decide which pic was better so here's both!)

Once you cross the lake you follow a boarded walkway to the many sights. Here's a few pics of the geysers and hot springs.

There's also some bubbling mud pools and interesting algae. The thing you cannot get an appreciation for is the smell of sulphur which is quite strong in places.

There was also some interesting flora along the walk too.



So that was how we spent our few days in Lake Taupo. Admittedly it had very little to do with the lake but, like Cairns in a way, Taupo is a gateway to greater things, even if it is a nice destination in it's own right.

Cathal