Waiotapu

Waiotapu, also known as Wai-O-Tapu (Māori for "Sacred Waters"), is an active geothermal area located just south of Rotorua in the Taupo Volcanic Zone of New Zealand. It is renowned for its colorful hot springs, bubbling mud pools, and impressive geysers, making it a popular tourist destination.

The geothermal area was formed over centuries by volcanic activity, shaping the landscape and creating unique geological features. These features include the Lady Knox Geyser, which is induced to erupt daily; the Champagne Pool, a large hot spring notable for its vibrant orange rim caused by mineral deposits; and the Devil's Bath, a crater lake displaying an unnaturally green color due to the presence of sulfur and ferrous salts.

Waiotapu is a protected scenic reserve administered by the Department of Conservation. Visitors can explore the area via well-maintained walking tracks and viewing platforms, allowing them to observe the geothermal activity from a safe distance. The area’s distinctive colors and geological formations are a result of various minerals and elements interacting with the hot, geothermally heated water.