Page 350 - Volcano and Geothermal Tourism

326 Oceania

Figure CS18.2 The site of the Waimangu geyser

Current focus attraction is Whakarewarewa geothermal area,
which has several geysers, bubbling mud pools and
Today, geothermal tourism is largely centred other hot pools and steaming vents. In this area
around the city of Rotorua which lies on the the main attraction is the Pohutu geyser which
shore of a large lake of the same name. The town, erupts frequently and sprays water and steam up to
which provides a wide variety of accommodation, about 20m high. It is perched together with
also has a lakeside base for floatplanes and several other geysers on a high sinter platform
helicopters, which provide scenic flights. In from which water cascades downwards during
particular it is possible to fly by helicopter to eruptions. The site is highly frequented at peak
White Island volcano, or to view the impressive times. The ‘Quality Hotel Geyserland’ has been
fissure formed during the 1886 Tarawera eruption. built overlooking the site, allowing a balcony view
White Island, which is also accessible by boat of Pohutu geyser for those who don’t mind the
leaving from Whakatane, is an extremely interesting sulphurous odours.
site. The crater floor harbours a number of Waimangu Valley is a less frequented area with
geothermal features, such as fumaroles, boiling good walking opportunities to various geothermal
pools or mud-pots, along with the main crater- features (note: bus is also available). Some of the
lake which is hot and acidic. The temperature and craters along the 1886 eruption fissure can be
level of the lake fluctuate gradually, and this is visited, as can the former site of Waimangu geyser
taken as an indicator of the underlying volcanic at Frying Pan Flats. Numerous hot pools and
activity. sinter terraces can also be seen. Boat trips on Lake
Rotorua itself has several freely accessible Rotomahana are possible (Keam, n.d.).
geothermal areas, including an area by the lakeside Wai-O-Tapu is the most colourful of New
with numerous hot pools. However, the main Zealand’s geothermal attractions (Wai-O-Tapu

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