Saturday, December 3, 2011

Sunday Bridge: Crater of the moon



Digging deep in my Archives for bridges. Here was when my big sister Rose came to visit me in a Thermal land. Known to locals as the crater of the Moon. Tourists are not told so they would go to the expensive commercially run place.

Known as the Crater of the Moon. I love this place. Do click on this link to see a visual. and you will know why I love it. We take all our foreign visitors and they love it.

The Taupo Region is a volcanic zone which contains some of the most violent thermal activity in the country. My father in law was afraid of the geysers and the howling sounds when the steam shoots up. It takes 30 minute walk visits bubbling craters, mud pools and steam vents.

In the 70s and 80s, it used to be free, but now they ask you for a donation of $6 to the volunteers who maintain the bathrooms and watch your cars. You can also see a lot of interesting plants that have adapted to thrive in the hot, steamy conditions. Enjoy this wonderful geothermal area despite the mild sulphur smell. It now has a wooden pathways with elevated viewing platforms.

My brother Charles and Sister in law Karen took me there in 1978. I fell in love with it. Charles jokes that this is heaven. Back then, the geysers were very strong. Charles says we were fairies in the clouds.

When approaching from the South.
Travel 5.5kms North from the i site in Taupo along Wairakei Drive (or the old SH 1 & 5)
Turn left into Karapiti Road and Travel 1 3/4kms arriving at the carpark of The Craters of the Moon Geothermal walk.

At the ETA roundabout at SH 1 & 5 take the Wairakei Park exit and Travel along Wairakei Drive after the Wairakei International Golf Course turn right into Karapiti Road and travel 1 and 3/4kms arriving at the carpark of The Craters of the Moon Geothermal Walk.



http://bayphoto.blogspot.com/


10 comments:

mick said...

This post really brings back memories for me. Many, many years ago we lived in north NZ and visited this areas lots of times!
You asked about the birds in my header - they are Red-necked Stints - a migratory shorebird that comes down here from Siberia. My book says they also reach NZ.

Ginny Hartzler said...

What a strange natural phenomenon!!! Kind of spooky!

Francisca said...

It would be very cool to take The Craters of the Moon Geothermal Walk!

[I was in a moving boat, so there was no waiting for anything. I only focused on snapping when I could see the multiple bridges... and got very lucky with cyclist being right there!]

Andy said...

This place is a hidden jewel that all tourist should visit.

Louis la Vache said...

A very interesting post, Ann, and a welcome contribution to Sunday Bridges.
;-D

Al said...

I love these shots, they remind me of Yellowstone. Now I want to visit it!

Maude Lynn said...

That's really cool!

Lynette said...

Informative post. Glad you went to the archives for the photo which brought it about.

Anonymous said...

Sounds like a place I'd love to visit, sounds like there are plenty of interesting things to see!

The JR said...

Such an interesting place.