Wai-O-Tupu is an active geothermal area at the southern end of the Okataina Volcanic Centre in New Zealand’s Taupo Volcanic Zone. 27 kilometres south of Rotorua, the crater of an extinct volcano, this thermal wonderland has been affectionately nicknamed "Sulphur City" and "Roto-Vegas".
Home to several roiling, bubbling geothermal sights, the volatility of the place is more intoxicating than the smell of rotten-egg smells. Between geysers and steaming mud bogs, there are some pretty interesting mineral elements that display a huge palette of colours. Underground streams are heated by magma remnants from earlier eruptions. The water, which can reach temperatures over 300 degrees Celsius, absorbs the minerals out of the rocks and brings them to the surface as steam. Hydrogen sulphide provides that ‘lovely’ smell ‘as visitors explore the park.Possibly one of the most intriguing sights is the calmest. Known as the Devil’s Bath, this neon green pool of stagnant stink water is a natural wonder. It may not have as many active reactions as other features in the vicinity, but it is still the most eye-catching (and the most intriguingly named).
The pool sits in a slight depression likely created from a massive eruption from underground. It is well out of reach of visiting gawkers but can be seen clearly from above. The bright green water gets its colour from deposits of sulphur that rise to the surface and float on top. The green identifies that active mineral while other hues found across the park such as blues, reds, and otherwise signify other volcanic elements.
Despite the name and the almost frightening display of geothermal chemistry, the Devil’s Bath and all of the volcanic craziness in the area is a favourite attraction for traveling families, couple or individuals wanting to see how bizarre and unnatural nature can look.
