Grumpy was perfectly on time when he came to collect me from the i-Site for my guided tour to Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland, as part of his 'Hot as' tours. His personality is infectious - with so much charisma, Grumpy takes a humourous approach to our sightseeing trip. He tells us stories of the places we drive past, offering a great insight into the area.
Sculptured out of volcanic activity and thousands of
years in the making, Wai-O-Tapu (Sacred Waters) is considered to be New Zealand’s most
colourful and diverse geothermal sightseeing attraction. The Champagne Pool below measures a fifth of a hectare!
 |
| Champagne Pool |
My visit begins by watching the eruption of the Lady Knox Geyser - At 10.15am each day there is the opportunity to learn
the history and mechanics of the Lady Knox Geyser during a presentation
by an informed guide in the natural ampitheatre. It provides a unique
opportunity to see a geyser in eruption to heights of 10 to 20 metres.
 | |
| Lady Knox Geyser |
There are a multitude of different couloured pools due to the rich minreal content of the reserve. There are also boiling mud pools, craters and lakes to be seen.
 |
| Mud pools |
Wai-O-Tapu is the perfect place to discover the beauty and rawness of the earth. Walks through the valley range from 30-75 minutes. Thanks to grumpy acting as our guide I was able to make the most of out my day!
Yogi
