Thanks to Rebecca and Ian for telling us about the thermal river just before Waiotapu.
As we walked into the river, it was a combination of a hot river and cold coming from 2 different directions.
We found the "hot spot".
Down the road were the Mud Pools.
Pools were boiling and bubbling and spitting hot gray mud.
Lake Taupo a wonderful huge crater lake!
Taupo at the North end & Turnagi at the South end.
Rhodi trees are in bloom.
Lemons are ready to pick.
Tongariro an active volcano and National Park and World Heritage site.
Walking trails on the quarries around Tongariro.
The desert lands as you are coming close to the Tongariro
Some of the paths are as tall as us.
The Flax grass native ti this area.
The Hotel at the base of the Volcano is also a ski and walking base.
Greeted by the fierce Warriors
The Gathering House at the entrance of the Village
One of the Village huts.
After a Hangi meal our entertainment of song and dance by the Maori.
The whole family was incredibly talented and taught us much about their culture.
Taking a ferry to the Thermal Park and Hidden Valley
Hot water rushes over the silica terraces
Boiling mud and mineral water pools. This would make quite a SPA !
There are many unpredictable gushing Geysers.
Map of Africa hot pool.
White Fleece mineral flows. 
A rare geothermal cave. ( from above) The water was lovely and warm.
A view up the cave.
Another glorious creation of God.
This is an interactive gold mining town. This is overlooking the gold panning.
A view of the actual mine . 
Original transportation is still used.
Students in grade 5 are selected to live and participate in the town for a few days. They soon learn how it really was in the 1800's. We observed how strict it was in classrooms.
Music teachers sharing ideas and stories .
