Waiotapu Facts for Kids

Waiotapu, also known as Wai-O-Tapu, means "sacred waters" in the Māori language. It is an active geothermal area found in New Zealand. This special place is located in the Taupo Volcanic Zone, south of Rotorua.

Waiotapu is famous for its amazing hot springs and colorful pools. This is because of the intense heat and activity deep under the ground. You can see famous spots like the Lady Knox Geyser, the beautiful Champagne Pool, and the Artist's Palette. There are also bubbling mud pools and the lovely Primrose Terrace. Most of these wonders can be explored on foot. Some areas are part of a paid tour, while other natural hot springs are free to see. The entire geothermal area covers about 18 square kilometers. Long ago, the Ngati Whaoa tribe lived here. They were descendants of people who arrived on the Arawa waka (canoe).

Discovering Waiotapu's Hot Springs and Geysers
Waiotapu as a Tourist Attraction
- Protecting the Sacred Waters
- Local Ownership and History
Getting to Waiotapu
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Discovering Waiotapu's Hot Springs and Geysers

Waiotapu is well-known for its many geothermal features. These include hot springs, geysers, and mud pools. The ground here is very active, creating unique and colorful landscapes.

The Famous Champagne Pool

The Champagne Pool is one of Waiotapu's most popular sights. It is a large, hot spring that looks like a giant glass of champagne. This is because of the bubbles of carbon dioxide gas rising to the surface. The pool's edges are bright orange, formed by minerals.

Lady Knox Geyser: A Daily Show

The Lady Knox Geyser is another amazing feature. It erupts once a day, shooting hot water and steam high into the air. This geyser is named after Lady Constance Knox. It is a must-see for visitors.

Artist's Palette and Colorful Pools

The Artist's Palette is a flat, colorful area next to the Champagne Pool. It gets its name from the many different colors of minerals. These colors include green, yellow, orange, and brown. They are created by different minerals and bacteria living in the hot water.

Bubbling Mud Pools

Waiotapu also has several boiling mud pools. These pools are filled with thick, grey mud that bubbles and gurgles. The mud is heated by the geothermal activity below. It is a fascinating sight to watch.

Waiotapu as a Tourist Attraction

This area has been a popular place for visitors for a very long time. People have come to see its natural wonders for many years.

Protecting the Sacred Waters

Waiotapu was made a protected scenic reserve in 1931. This means the area's natural beauty and geothermal features are kept safe. A company operates a tourist experience within part of this reserve. It is called "Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland."

Local Ownership and History

The "Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland" business was bought in 2012. It was purchased by Te Arawa Group Holdings. This is a local Māori tribal business. They bought it from the Sewell/Leinhardt family. This family had managed the attraction for 30 years.

Getting to Waiotapu

New Zealand State Highway 38 starts at Waiotapu. This road travels through the Kaingaroa Forest. It passes by Murupara and then becomes an unsealed road. It continues through the mountains of Te Urewera. The highway also goes along Lake Waikaremoana before reaching Wairoa. Wairoa is located near Hawke Bay.