Waimangu Volcanic Valley is one of the newest attractions in the area of Rotura, a city near the center of the North Island of New Zealand. It’s discovery revealed even more volcanic activity in the midst of a lush valley full of vegetation. The wooden carving stems from the Maori culture.

Just as we drove up to the valley, this pretty (unidentified) bird flew near us and began to look for seeds from a pretty (but unidentified) plant.

The Valley is full of very dense plant growth—mostly palms, but other bushes and trees. Hidden in this growth, about a half mile away, is the volcanic activity. Note the lush pine trees on the far horizon, outside the thermal area.

Along our walk, we glimpsed a flowing river and areas of steaming, rocky “slag” created by the hot steam coming up from underground.

As we crested a hill, we saw “Frying Pan” Lake at the bottom of the valley. The lake sits on top of cracks in the earth—and steams continuously with hot water.

Frying Pan Lake is somewhere between 140 degrees (near the surface) to even hotter water (near the bottom). Around the edges of the lake, sulfur residue floats on top.

At the edge of Frying Pan Lake (upper left, out of view), there is a huge cliff of steaming rock. The lake then flows out into a stinky, hot yellow- green mixture.

Every so often, we would see boiling cauldrons, with crusty sulfur crystals forming as the water runs down the higher rock mound.

The area around the bubbling holes in the ground was solid, but neither of us wanted to test the strength by walking across the crystallized area.

Once in awhile, the water would come out of the ground “clear.” Made us want to make soup. Well, perhaps not.

While Judy rested, Bob climbed about 100 stairs, up over a crest— and discovered this gorgeous, aquamarine-colored lake. The lake rises and falls as the seasons change and, yes, it was hot—but not nearly as hot as Frying Pan Lake.

Perched on one of the hills in the valley, not far from Frying Pan Lake, was a cross. It was placed there to commemorate where some hapless tourists strayed a little far from the path and were scalded to death. We stayed on all paths!

Bob and Judy stand by Frying Pan Lake—it was a gorgeous (albeit HOT) day for a nice walk in the interesting Waimangu Volcanic Valley.