#tokaanu

[drhoz]

The Great ACT-NSW-NZ Trip, 2023-2024 - Lake Taupō

I didn't just go to Aotearoa for the animals and plants - I wanted to see the geology as well. Australia hasn't done much apart from erode for the last 99 million years, but New Zealand is on the tectonic boundary between the Australian and Pacific plates, so the geology is much more active. In fact, in some areas it's positively lively.

This is Lake Taupō, a very large lake in the middle of the North Island, and the most active supervolcano in the world. The last big eruption, about 230 CE, blew out over 100 cubic kilometers of rock, much of it over seven or eight minutes. The previous one, 25750 years ago, blasted out over 10 times that. Large parts of the island were buried in hundreds of meters of red-hot volcanic ash, travelling at just under the speed of sound, that settled still hot enough to fuse into ignimbrite rock. The very term ignimbrite was coined in New Zealand to describe this kind of pyroclastic deposit. Microscopic diatoms from the lake sediments have been found mixed with the ash that landed in the Chatham Islands over 800km away. It's also made a nice dating layer in the Antarctic ice cap.

And if all this ash and the volcanic domes and geothermal fields around the lake weren't enough, the fact that the lake has black beaches, with a strandline of fist-sized pumice, and steep cliffs around the periphery, should be a big clue that this is not a healthy place to be. At least over geological periods. In theory there should be a little warning the next time the supervolcano decides to blow out a crater the size of Singapore.

@purrdence and I stayed at two places around the caldera - Taupo township, and a much smaller place on the southern end of the lake with a name that translates as 'Sandfly and all his mates'. Both venues had geothermal hot tubs attached. We also visited the Craters of the Moon geothermal field, and the Huka Falls cascade.

Craters of the Moon was certainly pungent - the numerous fumeroles and mudpots percolate a lot of sulphur, arsenic and other elements. One of the now-collapsed fumeroles, the Devil's Trumpet, used to be nocturnal pyrotechnic display, after guides threw kerosene-soaked sackng in and got a 50-foot column of fire in responce.

Some of the species I've seen before - most from Purrdence's visit to the area a year earlier, but also some from Australia. And at least two from my carport here in Perth.

[lifethroughtime]

26.6.24 - checking out of Tokaanu guest suite ❤️

[paramedicabroad]

Tongariro National Park

Today, let's embark on a virtual journey to one of New Zealand's most captivating natural wonders - the Tongariro National Park. Nestled in the heart of the North Island, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a haven for adventure seekers, hikers, and nature enthusiasts alike.

The moment you step into Tongariro National Park, you'll be transported to a realm that seems plucked straight out of a fantasy novel. Volcanic peaks, emerald lakes, and lunar-like landscapes define this park's unique charm. The three active volcanoes - Tongariro, Ngauruhoe, and Ruapehu - stand as guardians over this otherworldly terrain, creating an awe-inspiring backdrop for your adventure.

Known as one of the world's best day hikes, the Tongariro Alpine Crossing is an absolute must-do. This 19.4-kilometer trek takes you through some of the park's most breathtaking scenery, including the famed Emerald Lakes and the surreal Red Crater. The hike can be challenging, but the reward of witnessing nature's grandeur up close is absolutely worth it.

Beyond its natural beauty, Tongariro National Park is steeped in Maori culture and history. The park holds immense spiritual significance for the local Maori communities, and you'll find many sacred sites and stories waiting to be discovered. Take a guided tour to gain a deeper understanding of the park's cultural heritage and respect its importance to the indigenous people.

In the winter months, Tongariro National Park transforms into a snowy wonderland. The slopes of Mount Ruapehu offer some of the best skiing and snowboarding experiences in New Zealand. So, if you're a winter sports enthusiast, don't forget to pack your gear and hit the pristine slopes.

Tongariro National Park is not just about dramatic landscapes; it's also home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. Keep your eyes peeled for native bird species like the Kea and the Takahe as you explore the park's trails. The unique alpine environment here is worth exploring and cherishing.

After a day of hiking or skiing, unwind in one of the park's natural thermal hot pools. Tokaanu Thermal Pools, located nearby, offer a rejuvenating soak amidst stunning surroundings. It's the perfect way to soothe your tired muscles and reflect on your adventure.

In conclusion, Tongariro National Park is a true New Zealand gem, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and outdoor adventures. Whether you're a thrill-seeker, a nature lover, or a history buff, this UNESCO World Heritage Site has something to offer everyone.

So, what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip to Tongariro National Park and get ready to immerse yourself in the mesmerizing landscapes and rich culture of this enchanting corner of New Zealand. 🏞️✨

[roadsconnoisseur]

New Zealand North Island Adventure day 7: Turangi -> Rotorua -> Tauranga - It’s another big day! As a late starter, I would stroll around town centre and have brunch before I depart for real attractions. The Tunneller Statue seems to be the icon for Turangi. It was dead quiet when I checked out probably as the laziest guest even it was quite vibrant in the evening last night. I assumed all backpacker youngsters, families and retirees had headed to the Tongariro National Park which Turangi serves as the gateway for. I don’t have enough time to go deep but just visited Te Ponanga Saddle Lookout and Tokaanu Historic Wharf nearby. Highlight of the day is Wai-o-Taou Thernal Wonderland in Rotorua. Highlights of the highlight are Artist’s Palette, Champagne Pool, and Green Pool. There’re many boiling mix pools in the area. It was a pity that I didn’tsp enough research if the Tsupo Volcano area before my departure that I didn't allocate long enough stats here to enjoy the hot springs but it definitely worth a second in-depth experience in the next visit. I missed the famous Pohutu Geyser near Rotorya City as it closed early at 4PM :/ Have to become an early bird in extensive travels. Visited Hatupatu Scenic Pount with many Black-Billed Gulls, Sulphur Point, and Kuirau Park Mud Pools near the city before sunset and then drove to Tauranga to stay for the night. Basically you can smell the distinct sulphuric odour everywhere in the area. #thermalpool #waiotapu #waiotaputhermalwonderland #artistspalette #champagnepool #rotoruanz #tauranganz #turangi #mudpool #sulphursprings #newzealand #roadtrip (at Tauranga, Bay of Plenty, North Island, New Zealand) https://www.instagram.com/p/CqK7El4P0wb/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[amonkeyhumor]

TOKAANU (NORTH ISLAND)

New Zealand, April 2019.

[tokaanuhotel-blog]

Welcome to Tokaanu

[jontycrane]

Sights in and around Tongariro National Park

Sights in and around Tongariro National Park

The oldest national park in New Zealand, and one of only three UNESCO World Heritage sites in the country (along with Te Wahipounamu including Fjordland, and five Subantarctic Islands), Tongariro National Park is an incredible place. Most people will visit to walk the justly famous Tongaririo Alpine Crossing, but there is much more to the park and the surrounding area worth exploring. National…

[jarredspec]

The Historic Tokaanu wharf panorama.

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[ofools]

Hi! Where exactly did you go in NZ? Those pictures you took are breathtaking, I'd love to someday go there too :) Best regards and have a nice week!

-The Dome just outside of Auckland

-Shelley Beach outside of Auckland

-Kuirau Park for public access thermal pools in Rotorua

-the Redwood grove just outside Rotorua

-Lake Taupo and the roads around Lake Taupo heading down south

-the Tokaanu thermal Pools in the town of Tokaanu about an hour south it Taupo

[le-grand-saut-2019]

Ça chauffe 🔥 ! Sources d’eau chaude et bain de boue au pied du majestueux Tongariro 🌋 #volcano #tongariro #thermalwater #nz (à Tokaanu Thermal Pools) https://www.instagram.com/p/B12Il-piUoE/?igshid=fcc43vygr3j5

[drhoz]

#2278 - Sus domesticus - Domestic Pig

Pigs were first domesticated in the Neolithic, and are raised in many parts of the world for meat and leather. They were first introduced to New Zealand in 1769 when the French explorer Jean-François de Surville gave a pair to the Maori at Doubtless Bay. Between 1773 and 1777 Captain James Cook released nine pigs and gave another seven to the locals, and his name is the one that stuck to their descendents - 'Captain Cookers'.

The feral pigs are as huge a problem in New Zealand as they are everywhere else they've gone wild, but at the time pigs and potatoes were a revolution in Maori agriculture. As well as being an excellent source of meat, they and New Zealand Flax were valuable trades good for visiting ships. Unfortunately, one of the trade goods they got back was musketry, and between 1806 and 1845 there was an escalating arms race and thousands of battles known as the Musket Wars, where various iwi attacked neighbouring iwi, taking the survivors as slaves to grow more flax, to trade for more guns. Between 1845 and 1872 came the New Zealand Wars, in which the British frequently got their asses handed to them.

New Zealand does have one breed of domestic pig, the kunekune, probably derived from an Asian domestic breed introduced in the early 19th century by whalers or traders. I'm not sure if this one is a kunukune.

Tokaanu, Taupo Volcanic Zone, New Zealand

[lifethroughtime]

@ Tokaanu Guest Suite — loved the geothermal pool and also playing billiards with hubs! ❤️

[polarocket]

[NZ-RT13] Morgens brachen wir auf zu den „Waitomo Glowworm Caves“. Eine tolle Erfahrung! An dem Tag stand eigentlich das „Tongariro Alpine Crossing“ auf dem Programm. Das Wetter in der Region war allerdings so schlecht, dass wir die Route änderten und weiter zum „Lake Taupo“ fuhren. Hier verbrachten wir den Abend in den „Tokaanu Thermal Pools“. In the morning we went to the "Waitomo Glowworm Caves". A great experience! On that day the “Tongariro Alpine Crossing” was actually on the agenda. The weather in the region was so bad that we changed the route and drove to "Lake Taupo". Here we spent the evening in the "Tokaanu Thermal Pools". #newzealand #waitomo #camper #camperlife #waitomoglowwormcaves #glowwormcaves #laketaupo #naturalbridge #travel #travelblog #exploremore #polatravel #polarocket #earth #nature #traveltheworld #adventure #abenteuer #lonelyplanet #beautifuldestinations #wonderful_places #bestplacestogo (hier: Waitomo, New Zealand) https://www.instagram.com/p/CL8wH1MJgKN/?igshid=17wphjed9bj8g

[amonkeyhumor]

TOKAANU (NORTH ISLAND)

New Zealand, April 2019.

[ickaimp]

Natural hot springs! ... It sounds and smells like farts. (at Tokaanu Thermal Pools)

[whatditellya]

at Tokaanu, New Zealand https://www.instagram.com/p/CCIeAyoMwud/?igshid=1jeq5y408nahu