Day 220 - Taupo, NZ

TAUPO AND 'THE CRATERS OF THE MOON' (09/08/09)

To the south of Rotoroa is the town of Taupo which is another geothermally active area. The steam has less power here, however, because the majority of the energy is tapped by the nearby geothermal power station, one of the most productive in the world producing 5% of New Zealand's total electricity. The Craters of the Moon is a park near Taupo containing hundreds of steaming craters and vents of varying sizes. Whilst less impressive than at Rotorua it was quite surreal overlooking an otherwise ordinary field producing clouds and clouds of steam.

One of the biggest craters almost obscured by steam. The craters are formed by steaming vents gradually dissolving a space underground until the roof collapes leaving a larfe hole in the ground.

Whilst most of the vents were hidden by the vegetation this one was exposed and close enough to the path to see.

This huge crater has developed a kind of ecosystem of it's own. The warm ground and steamy warm air has led to the growth of plant species normally only found in the tropics - a kind of miniature tropical rainforest.

As usual Adam found a large hill to make Liz climb but the view of the park from the top was worth it.

The town of Taupo itself is situated on the banks of the majestic Lake Taupo, overlooked by the snow capped peaks of the Tongariro National Park.

A short walk by the lake. We were going to feed the ducks but Adam ate all the stale bread.