Blue Baths 1933

 

The Blue Baths is in Rotorua and was opened in 1933 with the aim for the building to promote the town for it's geothermal qualities. When the town was founded in the 1880s the goal became to show people how tourism could grow. The building above shows it's affinity with the art deco era with it's curves and rounded windows. 

The pools inside offered mixed men and women bathing together facilities which would've been scandalous back then. When we were there a few years ago it was closed sadly as I would've liked to have taken photos of the interior. The water in the pools is apparently taken directly from the geothermal piping in Rotorua so I could imagine it being quite hot.

Tea rooms above the blue baths February 1965, G. Riethmaier, National Publicity Studios

Photo from 1936, Auckland Weekly News, Kura Heritage Collections Online.

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Waimangu Valley Mural

 If you're ever in Rotorua this is one place to put on your bucket list. The Waimangu Volcanic Valley is home to the Pink and White Terraces which now lie underwater after the famous eruption in 1886 of Mount Tarawera. I did take a load of photos while we were there but I will save those for another post. This mural is at the top of the mountain when we first started our walk through the valley - it shows the view from the old guest house looking towards the Waimangu Geyser in 1903.

Linking up with Mural Monday.

Volcanic Kerosene Creek

While we were in Rotorua last week B took me to this spot called Kerosene Creek, he use to live in the city and Taupo many years ago. It's like a watering hole/swimming spot off the beaten track that isn't well known. When we were there we only saw a mum with her children and a couple with their dog enjoying the hot geothermal water. There is geothermal activity all over Taupo and Rotorua so this is probably one of many natural heated streams. We didn't have our swimming stuff with us so we just walked the track. Enjoy the photos.

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The legend of Lake Kuirau

Back when we lived in the Tauranga there was a day we made a trip out to Rotorua with my daughter. We wanted to show her the hot pools as the whole region is full of geothermal activity. One of the walks was at Kuirau Park where the ground and water wasn't just hot but we could see the sulphur which turns a yellow/orange colour.

Here is the story behind it:

Lake Kuirau use to be cool enough to bathe in. According to Maori legend a beautiful young lady named Kuirau use to swim here, however a large Taniwha use to live in the lake.

The Taniwha would watch the girl swim until one morning he rose up and seized her. Maori believe that either she died of fright or he was taken back to the Taniwha's lair but whatever happened she was never seen again. The Gods were so angry that they made the lake boil to get rid of it. From that day on the Lake was named Lake Kuirau in memory of the lady who use to swim in the water.

Every now and again we read news stories about people who accidentally fall in (there's usually not much left of them after) or those who try to cook their food in the pools but usually there are warning signs up everywhere to stick to the paths and steer clear.

Linking up with Weekend Reflections and The Weekend Roundup.

Mount Tongariro - shooting off steam

Mount Tongariro - when we visited past it last weekend it was shooting off steam from the mountain.

This area is NZ's oldest national park and is considered extremely important in Maori culture. There are many walks and treks but you have to be pretty experienced to attempt these, quite a few people have to be rescued because they are ill prepared for the temperatures and the terrain. Not only that but it also offers hunting of red deer and mountain biking.

A truly special place :-)

Waiotapu Geothermal Pools - Rotorua

While tiki touring around on Sunday we decided a road trip to Rotorua was a good idea. As alot of you know I grew up in Auckland, then lived in Northland for 20 years so I'm not from this region, it's been many years since I visited Rotorua, probably not since I was a child.

We persuaded my 18 year old daughter to get out of the house and come with us. One place we stopped at was Waiotapu Geothermal Pools. Most of Rotorua is Geothermal - meaning here and there are hot springs and bubbling pools.

The geothermal area covers 18 kilometres and is protected as a scenic reserve.

Waiotapu is the Maori word for "sacred waters". It is so hot that the whole area is fenced off.

Prior to European occupation the land was the home of the Ngati Whaoa tribe.

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