On day 5 of our trip, we headed to Wai-o-tapu Thermal Park, a place of extraordinary geothermal activity.  After getting our tickets and going in, we were told we could catch the geyser show, they do this once a day, where they add soap and cause a crater to look like a volcano. Wouldn’t you know, we “just” missed it, and only caught the tail end.

Lady Knox geyser

Continuing around the park, we (of course!) stopped at The Artist’s Palette, with such lovely colors, I was unable to do them justice with my paints.

Colors of the Artists Palette

Sketches at Wai-o-tapu Park

The Artist’s Palette

The rock formations and colors were spectacular, again, challenging to capture on paper.

Wai-o-tapu rock formation

Got in a quick sketch at Rua  Ōwhanga

Rua Ōwhanga

Another pool was Roto Kārikitea, also known as The Devil’s Bath, an eerie bright green phenomenon caused by a toxic mix of sulphur and ferrous salts   combined with minerals from the Champagne Pool.

Roto Kārikitea

Ending this supernatural visit, we went to a local spa on Lake Rotorua, with geothermal hot springs, with pools of alkaline or acidic baths in varying temperatures. A superb finish for the day!