Waiotapu Volcanic Wonderland, Waikete hot pools Saturday date with my husband

People come from all over the world to visit Rotorua and its volcanic surroundings. 

 As a local I think that some of us forget about what beautiful places there are to visit within a very short drive. 

 My husband Graham has lived in Rotorua for over thirty years and he has never been to Waiotapu.

I couldn't believe it.

I have been here about five times and most recently because of the Rotorua Camera Club, due to it being such an amazing place to gain potentially award winning photos.

 I don't think a lot of  local people are aware that if you take two forms of ID, one showing your address, you can get in for free.

 

The whole family could, I think, as long as they had ID. 

 




This is a saving of around $39.00 per adult.
The place is really well maintained and the walk is a good seventy minute work out. 

 Graham and I went around 3.30pm and just got in because they close the gates at quarter to four. 



 We were there until 5pm. You must be out of there by then. 


 I went deliberately later so that I could catch the shadows of the setting sun.
It is best to avoid the middle of the day if want great photos. 



This is the champagne pool and everyone in the world takes shots of it. 



Using different filters in Nik software.



It's so beautiful and it changes a lot according to the light

It is lovely standing beside it and feeling the heat come up onto your face from the boiling water.


  I love taking shots of the earth and Waiotapu, it is so interesting

 
 I like the soil samples they are so vibrant, like mini worlds of wonder
 
 The oranges are so vibrant




 The pool is this colour and in some cases more lime
It's called the Devils bath


 I love the quaint looking signs at Waiotapu, it's quite inventive and tells a story.
You get a good handout that tells you all about the pools, features and history.


 The moss is incredibly green here.


The Kanuka trees

have a vibrant almost sinister sinewy way of growing here. 

This little fantail flitted around in a friendly manner.

They are hard to get shots of because of the speed that they move. 

We then went to Waikete Valley Hot pools for a swim  

Here is the water being cooled down

We often go to the private pools so we don't have to wear bathing costumes , this  is the view 

Here is my lovely man looking relaxed

 And sleepy.

It was time to go and we had a lovely Saturday afternoon and evening date/adventure.

Creative Quote of the day
 

“The best love is the kind that awakens the soul and makes

 us reach for more, that plants a fire in our hearts and brings

peace to our minds. And that's what you've given me. That's

what I'd hoped to give you forever” 

― Nicholas Sparks 

So if you are a local or a visitor from out of town go to Waiotapu these school holidays.

 You won't be disappointed.  

School holiday mosaic projects for families and individuals. 

$75.00 per person for 3 hours. 

Come and make you very own glass mosaic shape to take home as a reminder of your stay. 

Monday to Wednesday and Friday mornings from 9.30 to 12.30

374 Clayton Road, Rotorua.

Phone 3463435 or email jkeen@clear.net.nz for bookings. Limited to 6 people per session.