The Champagne Pool

Thermal Hotspots - Pooh!

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December 19th 2012
Arrived at Rotorua after a journey through the actively volcanic "thermal region" of the North Island. It is peculiar to see steam rising from small craters by the side of the road with larger craters of boiling water and mud causing significant hazard zones if you are not careful to stick to the path. And the smell of sulfur, which hangs on the breeze, pervades the air even in the hotel at times. ... read more

Oceania » New Zealand » North Island » Rotorua

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The Polynesian Maori reached New Zealand in about A.D. 800. In 1840, their chieftains entered into a compact with Britain, the Treaty of Waitangi, in which they ceded sovereignty to Queen Victoria while retaining territorial rights. In that same year... ... read more