New Zealand – Country of Geysers

In this article we will depart for virtual journey to one of the most beautiful places on the planet – North Island of New Zealand. Its landscape consists of snow covered mountain peaks in Tongariro National Park, thermal regions with hundreds of geysers and mud pools around Rotorua and boundless green meadows in the foothills, drowning in the thick forests on ancient volcanic plateau slopes. The coastline of the island is one infinite sandy beach. In all this splendor it is difficult to keep your mind on one thing but here we will try to concentrate on one magnificent phenomenon – the geysers. These amazing fountains are self-operated with no human interference. The boiling water that springs from their bowels reach heights of tens of meters. Approaching the lake Rotorua you can’t help noticing clouds of steam slowly rising everywhere, and smelling the strong sulphur smell. These are constant components of thermal activity of this region. From ancient times Maori knew magic properties of hot springs and geysers. They used their heat for coking, bathing and heating, and also in healing. Soaking in hot springs is still a recommended treatment for arthritis and rheumatism. So what exactly is this magical geyser phenomenon both beautiful and healing?

Geyser – what exactly is it?

The name “geyser” is originated from the Icelandic name of a hot spring in Haukadalur named Geysir (“geysa” in Old Norse means “to rush forth”). Geysers are periodically gushing hot springs widespread in areas of active or sleeping volcanic activity (and this is exactly what New Zealand is). The outer shape of some geysers is the truncated cone with abrupt slopes (like miniature volcano). Inside of geysers there are bowl-shaped deepening and holes, and on its bottom whole system of canals filled with water.

Geysers on our planet.

Geysers can be seen on Kamchatka, in Iceland, New Zealand, USA and Japan. One of the world wonders, the Valley of Geysers, located in Iceland is a breathtaking place. In this valley you can see clouds of steam rising from the boiling springs everywhere. Big Geyser eruptions in the Valley are very impressive – they are repeated every 20 to 30 hours and last for about 3 hours. It’s fountain height reaches 30 meters (100 feet). People in Iceland use hot water springs for growing fruits and vegetables in greenhouses. The Iceland’s capital Reykjavik and most of other cities and villages in Iceland are heated with hot springs water.

Geysers in New Zealand

New Zealand also has a rich history of geyser eruptions. Between years 1899 to 1904 in the North Island geyser named Waimangu was highly active. Waimangu erupted on a non-regular basis with 5 to 30 hour intervals between eruptions. It was a “champion” of all geysers – during the eruption its fountain weighting 800 tons reached height of 450 meters (1500 feet). In August 1903 Waimangu had the most devastating eruption killing four people who were standing at the distance of 27 meters (90 feet). Their bodies were found at different distances (up to 800 meters) from the geyser, one body being clamped between two rocks, another was in deep hole; third body was hanging on the tree and the last way laying on the ground. Waimangu was active during a period of six years, and when water level in the nearest lake Tarawera dropped, geyser ceased to exist.
Another powerful and impressive geyser of New Zealand is Tetarata. It was situated on the terraced hill formed from pink siliceous tuff. Tetarata geyser disappeared during the eruption of Tarawera volcano in 1886.
Nowadays there are a number of still active geysers in New Zealand. For example geyser named Crow’s Nest on the lake Waikato shores is still active. Its eruptions are depended on the lake water level. If the water level is high, geyser erupts each 40 minutes, and if the water level is low, then eruptions occur each 2 hours. On the shore of lake Rotorua situated area named Wakarewarewa and the geyser valley. It has the highest erupting geyser of the area named Pohutu (pohutu means explosion in Maori). Pohutu’s fountain reaches heights of up to 30 meters. Many tourists seek the sight of Lady Knox geyser man-induced eruption at Wai-O-Tapu near Rotorua.

In conclusion – Geysers are a truly magnificent and wonderful nature phenomenon, and everybody should see a geyser eruption at least once in a lifetime.