Misty Jurassic Parks!

The next morning, we strolled along the misty, eco-trail. It followed the stream that supplied the water for the pool complex. Water boils out of the ground, creating all sorts of steam and it was a surreal experience. Information panels lined the 15minute walk explaining how the plants survive and other info.

Once we had departed Waikite Valley, we headed towards Rotorua and beyond to Okere Falls Track. Along the way, we saw a few signs advertising white river rafting. Although the rafting experience wasn’t for us, it did play a major part in our hike as the trail ambles along the river that the rafting companies use. We hadn’t parked for long and heard a loud whistle ahead. We grabbed our headlamps as had been suggested by NZ Frenzy and started our hike on the paved walkway. At the first lookout point, there was a woman with camera at the ready. Soon, about 3 rafts spilled over the falls and she rapidly shot photos. It became apparent that she was the hired photographer for the tour and it was she who had blown the whistle. We weren’t sure if it was to mark that she was ready to take photos, or to state that the river below was clear, but it became obvious to us if we wanted to take great photos, we should follow her. So we did.

There were about 3 photo spots where the raft went over falls and then converged at the end. A couple of small kayakers had been following the group and at this endpoint, there was a small rapid area where the kayakers did tricks and turns for everyone’s amusement.

This seemed to be the end of the track and Fred and I wandered around a little bit. We realized there were a couple of teens on the rockface across the river and one was encouraging the other to make a leap of faith into the water below. We watched them for a bit before heading back to our van.

Okay, so what were the headlamps for? We went back to the information sign and apparently at one of the photo stops for the rafters, there were some caves to explore. It was about midpoint in the track and neither Fred nor I really wanted to retrace our steps, so we skipped it.

We drove in the direction of Taupo and our first stop was at Rainbow Mountain. There were a couple of geocaches there and about a 45-minute hike to the top of the mountain. Along the way were ponds that had different colors, depending on the sediment that flowed in the water filling them. The track got really steep as we approached the lookout at the top. Another geocache was there, but someone was working on the tower and we didn’t have a good opportunity to look for it. So we found a spot to sit, have our lunch, and take in the view. Getting down took a lot less time than going up and soon we went on our way.

Next stop, Kerosene Creek. I know that sounds like an absolutely horrible name, and I think some places are named like that to keep folks away from the really good stuff so the Kiwis can have it all to themselves. 😉 On the drive going in, we could see spots where steam was rising out of the ground. Once in the parking area, we changed into our swimwear and headed down the path. We noticed a bus in the parking lot and found out it was a group of high school students. They had taken over the prime area just below the waterfall, so Fred and I found a place a bit upstream and sat with our feet in the warm water.

It wasn’t too long before the group left and we relocated to the main “pool”. There was a small family remaining, but they were quiet and we could really enjoy this beautiful place. The water at the fall was very warm and it cooled to a more comfortable temperature in the pool below it. You were in the middle of the woods and the entire experience was fantastic.

Further down the road we drove up the entrance of Waiotapu and stopped at a small turnoff where some mudpools were. Wouldn’t you know, the same bus of high school kids was there, but they were loading up and driving away. Rain was starting to come down a bit, so Fred and I had a glass of wine as we waited for the shower to pass. Soon, the rain subsided and we got out to take a closer look. The mud boiled and popped regularly, yet it took a quick trigger-finger to get good pictures.

It was late in the afternoon and our sights were set on getting to Orakei Korako, a commercial thermal park. I had read that they allow campervans to park overnight in their carpark if they had visited the park, or were intending to visit the following morning. We got there after closing time and there were no signs of people there at all. We had the whole place to ourselves. I know spending the night in a parking lot doesn’t sound like the greatest, but the setting was in a valley, along a river. The thermal park is located across the river and your entry starts with a boat trip. So it was really pretty and we set up our outdoor camp chairs along the shore and had a glass of wine while the black swans swam in front of us. In the background were the silica terraces and a steaming hillside. To be honest, this was one of the most memorable moments of the trip.

The Adventure Continues>>>