A Good Day Geologising

We awake to an extremely wet and windy Taupo after being battered through the night in Betty due to a Spring storm.  However, being tough geologists and being used to being thrown out on field trips in all weathers the little storm doesn’t phase us and we duly get set for a day out.

First on the menu today is Craters of the Moon, which is another geothermal area but this time it is partially man-made.  When a new hydro-electric powerstation was built in the 1950s the groundwater level changed and a new series of geysers and mudpools emerged.  We have a very interesting walk along the elevated boardwalk looking at all the steaming geysers and bubbling mud pools.

Mr M gets steamin

Bubbling mud pool

After managing to dodge 100deg mud pools we head off to the Honey Visitors Centre.  Mrs M is in honey heaven, with more than 10 different kinds of honey to taste.

Having not been out for any meal for a few days we decide to treat ourselves with a nice lunch at nearby L'arte.  We both enjoy some of their delicious hand-made pies and then go for a nice walk through the sculpture garden and the pottery workshop.

L'arte mosaic in the garden

As its been almost 90 minutes since we were looking at rocks its time to head to the Volcanic Activity Centre.  Mr M is in Geology Heaven with loads of interesting displays on volcanoes.

On the way back to the Spa/Motorcamp we stop off at the Huka Falls which are phenomenally impressive, with a throughput which would fill 5 Olympic swimming pools in 1 minute !

Mr &Mrs M at Huka Falls

The only other thing left to do is to head for the mineral spa at the campsite and relax in a lovely 39deg pool.

Mrs & Mr M