|
|
  |
|
|
New Zealand has a good number of geothermal areas and the most
active ones are significant by world standards. It is one of
the few places in the world where geysers can be admired. Several
of these geothermal fields are easily accessible and have been
developed for tourism purposes. A visit there must figure high
on the list of natural features to discover.
Learn more about Natural
history/the geothermal areas of New Zealand.
Right: Craters of the Moon geothermal area, Wairakei. Photo
courtesy of Destination Lake Taupo.
|
|
|
|
Specific references for this page:
M.P. Cave, J.T. Lumb and L. Clelland 1993: Geothermal Resources
of New Zealand. Resource Information Report 8, Energy and Resources
Division, Ministry of Commerce.
R.H. Clark 1989: New Zealand from the Road - Landforms of the
North Island. Heinemann Reed.
B.F. Houghton 1982: Geyserland - A Guide to the Volcanoes and
Geothermal Areas of Rotorua. Geological Society of NZ, Guidebook
No 2.
B.N. Thompson, L.O. Kermode and A Ewart 1965: New Zealand Volcanology
- Central Volcanic Region. DSIR.
|
| |
|
|
|
|
| |
REGION
from N to S |
VOLCANO |
DETAILS |
| Locate these places
in maps: North
Island |
| |
Rotorua - Whakarewarewa |
Whakarewarewa, 3
km (2 miles) south of Rotorua, is New Zealand' major geyser
field. It has over 500 hot springs and most forms of geothermal
activity, including: steaming ground, mud pools, fumaroles,
boiling chloride pools. However it is best known for its
geysers. The most significant at present is Pohutu geyser,
which usually rises up to 18 m (59'), sometimes twice as
much. Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve is one of Rotorua's
most visited tourist attractions. |
| |
Rotorua
- Tikitere (Hell's Gate) |
The Tikitere
geothermal field is located 18 km (11 miles) northeasst
of Rotorua City, between lakes Rotorua and Rotoiti. Geothermal
features include steaming ground, boiling springs, mudpools,
and altered ground. Hell's Gate is a popular tourist attraction
within this field. |
| |
Waimangu |
Prior
to the eruption of 1886 the Waimangu Valley was a major
geyser field famous for the Pink and White Terraces that
adorned the shore of the old Lake Rotomahana. The Terraces
were destroyed by the eruption and the lake much enlarged.
A line of ten craters was created. Lake Rotomahana now occupies
the northern ones, while the remaining ones contain the
hot lakes and springs of Waimangu. The largest known geyser
in the world, Waimangu Geyser, was located between Echo
and Inferno craters. It often reached heights of 150 m (492'),
and on occasions 450 m (1475'), and ceased activity in 1904.
The Waimangu Valley is one of the most visited geothermal
attractions of the Rotorua area. |
| |
Waiotapu |
This is the largest
area of surface geothermal activity in New Zealand (18 km2,
7 sq. miles). Features such as hot springs and fumaroles
are spread on the slopes of Rainbow Mountain (Maungakakaramea)
and Maungaongaonga (two extinct dacite volcanoes), and hot
springs occur a various locations in the Waiotapu area.
The tourist area is smaller but includes interesting phenomena:
Champagne Pool (a large bubbling hot pool), the Artists's
Palette (multicoloured mineral deposits), Lady Knox Geyser,
and deposits of crystalline sulphur. |
| |
Orakeikorako |
This
geothermal area is located between Taupo and Rotorua, on
the banks of Lake Ohakuri. It includes extensive sinter-covered
areas with multi-coloured mineral deposits, as well as hot
pools and hot springs. The creation of Lake Ohakuri in 1961
flooded about three-quarters of the original area, which
included a number of geysers and ranked among the word's
finest geothermal areas. It remains a popular, privately-operated
tourist attraction. |
| |
Wairakei |
Extensive
areas of steaming ground are the most distinctive features
of Wairakei, a few kilometres north of Taupo at the junction
of SH 1 and 5. This is the location of one of New Zealand's
largest geothermal field, and since the 1950s of its major
geothermal electricity production. The visible steam results
from the discharge of waste hot water. Prior to the creation
of the power plant the field was noted for at least 22 geysers,
as well as hot springs. Much of that surface activity has
disappeared, and none of the geysers remain. |
| |
Waihi
Steaming Cliffs |
The Waihi-Tokaanu
geothermal field is located at the southern end of Lake
Taupo, approximately 5 km north-west of Turangi. At Tokaanu
there are chloride hot springs and pools, but the most conspicuous
and spectacular phenomena are the Waihi Steaming Cliffs.
A series of fumaroles in the cliff above the settlement
of Hipaua just before entering Waihi is responsible for
the release of steam. The fumaroles follow the line of the
Waihi Fault that extends from Tongariro to Kakaramea, and
it is thought that the source of heat is associated with
that volcano. |
| |
Tongariro
Geothermal Field |
This
geothermal field underlies Mt Tongariro and produces surface
activity at Ketetahi Hot Springs, Te Mari Craters and Red
Crater. The most intensely active are Ketetahi Hot Springs,
located at an altitude of about 1400 m (4593') on the northern
flank of Tongariro. Their steam plume is conspicuous from
SH46 and 47. This 30 hectare (75 acre) thermal area includes
over 40 fumaroles, boiling springs and mudpools. The track
from SH 46 to Ketetahi Hut sidles along its eastern side
and reasonably good views can be obtained. However Ketetahi
Hot Springs remains an enclave of private land within Tongariro
National Park. Visitors are asked to maintain the springs'
tapu, or sacredness, by not bathing in, or visiting them.
At Te Mari craters visible activity includes steam and fumaroles
on the flanks of the craters. However this area is not easily
accessible. As a result the most easily accessible geothermal
activity on Tongariro is at Red Crater, which takes mostly
the form of warm and steaming ground. This is not very spectacular
but adds to Red Crater's exceptional display of shapes and
colours which make it one of the most interesting volcanic
visits in Tongariro National Park. The access to Red Crater,
although not difficult, involves a 3 hour walk (one way)
from Mangatepopo carpark on mountain terrain. It should
be attempted by suitably experienced and equipped parties
only. Visit Whakapapa Village Visitor Centre for further
information before setting out. |
|
|
|
