Wai-o-Tapu (emphasis on the puuu).

This morning began with breakfast at the resort Cafe - pancakes with banana and maple syrup while we watched fly-fishermen try for trout in a channel off Lake Rotorua. There was a guy taking the pool cover off the still misting-cold water - Lily observes this and remarks, "Can we go for a swim?"

After breakfast we took the relatively short drive to the 'Wai-o-Tapu Thermal Wonderland!!!' (aka the stinking sulfurous pit to the netherworld). The smell was not good. As we approached each fissure - it got worse (hence some of the facial expressions in the piccies below).

Lily - appreciating the subtle scent of hydrogen sulphide.

Lily, Jen and Josh (who for once is not the main source of an unpleasant aroma).

Lily, Todd and Hamish - a little too close to The Devil's Ink Pots.

The admissions lady gave the maps to the kids and in jest noted that they could take charge of directions. Needless to say they took this task very seriously, marching about the place and guiding us in imperious tones.


The Boardwalk.

Just when we thought the smell couldn't get worse..


Frying Pan Flat - not sure what they are cooking, but I'm not hungry.


The edge of The Champagne Pool, a mere 62 metres deep, and a delightful 74 degrees Celsius.

The rest of the family a little past my need for photos.