Hot springs and geysers in New Zealand’s most spectacular geothermal area. Enchanting mystical atmosphere (created by tiny creatures) inside a cave of lights. We experienced the wonders of nature!
Day 66, Sunday, November 10: Orakei Korako
We were in no hurry today. From Lake Okareka our destination was only an hour drive away.
Orakei Korako awaited us with its unique landscape. We were visiting a stunning natural geothermic attraction, the largest geyser field in New Zealand.
Arrived around noon, learned about the safety instructions in the visitor center, then a quick, 3-minute boat ride took us across the lake.
From the boat we got the first glimpse of the colorful silica terraces for which this thermal park is famous.
We walked on stairs and well-maintained boardwalks for 2.5 kilometers by the shimmering hot springs. At times, the walk felt terrifying, but fascinating.
There were signs reminding us that the danger around us was real and we had to keep to the pathway at all times.
One of the most dangerous and unpredictable areas of the thermal park is called Artist’s Palette. Here the thickness of the silica in some places can be as little as 20 millimeters.
We walked to Ruatapu Cave, which is one of only two caves in the world that exists in a geothermal field (the other is in Southern Italy).
Toward the end of our one hour long walk, we even saw bubbling mud pools.
Back to the visitor center, then driving to Lake Okareka.
But before reaching the lake, which is located near Rotorua, we visited the Redwoods. The Redwoods in Rotorua are famous for their nightlight tree walk, but we skipped this attraction. Just opted for an easy hike in the forest, which was cut short by the rain. It was time to go to our accommodation for our last night there.
Day 67, Monday, November 11: Waitomo Caves
It rained during the night, rained in the morning, and rained almost the whole time while we were driving to Waitomo Glowworm Caves, one of the most beautiful light caves in the world. It is also one of the main tourist attractions of the North Island.
Our guided tour was booked for 10:30 am. We arrived 14 minutes early (!) – just enough time for checking in.
As our group of 17 people entered the cave, we were reminded that taking photographs inside was strictly prohibited.
The tour happened on two levels. In the upper chamber of the limestone cave our guide pointed out exciting shapes and delicate cave formations. But everyone was waiting for the main attraction of this magical place, the lower level’s water passage and glowworms.
We boarded a boat – yes, in the dark – and glided through the river that flows in and out of the cave. All of us in silence, we marveled at the natural phenomenon: thousands of glowworms sparkled above us like myriad stars on a clear night, creating a luminescent light and mystical atmosphere. It felt like we were inside a kingdom of glowing bugs. These tiny harmless creatures, the New Zealand glowworms, are found only in New Zealand and in one place in Australia.
This 50-minute cave tour was no doubt a moment of magic for us.
After a three and a half long drive through the lush green countryside, with a short lunch break, we arrived in Whanganui, a river city on the West Coast of the North Island.
Stayed in a simple but clean motel for the night, spending our time on doing some sink-laundry, blogging, reading, and relaxing. We were going to have one more day on the North Island.
