The Champagne Pool – Waiotapu – New Zealand

No the pool isn’t filled with your favorite sparkling bubbly but it sure looks like it is; and the spectacle is fabulous. The famous Champagne Pool is located in New Zealand in the Waiotapu geothermal area in the North Island. Let’s see what makes this geological wonder so famous amongst tourists and naturalists alike –

Why should you visit Waiotapu – Champagne Pool : Just to gaze at is wonder. The natural hot spring was formed 900 hundred years ago and is sculpted out of volcanic activity. Another reason why travelers flock to the place is because of the colors. In fact this is exactly why the springs are considered to be one of the most diverse geothermal sites in New Zealand. Don’t expect to find any landscape that you might have ever seen before and the key to that is what lies below the surface.

Best Things to Do in Waiotapu – Champagne Pool : One of the best parts about visiting the place is the clearly defined tracks that provide visitors handy walkways. You can enjoy the diversity and richness of the area by taking any one of them. Each would take you on treks that last about 30 to 75 minutes. But the unique volcanic vistas that will come across your way are well worth it.

A visit to Waiotapu will also not be complete without visiting the mud pools that it is famous for. The site was the result of a large volcano that was destroyed through erosion during the 1920’s. The result is seemingly erupting mud that is a delight to behold. Just don’t get too close. You do not want to be scalded with scorching mud and ruin the rest of your trip.

Best Times to Visit Waiotapu – Champagne Pool : You can choose to visit the place at peak tourist season during the summer or spring. However you can also choose to visit the Champagne Pool in the winter especially if you want to avoid the crowds. In fact, visiting the area will also help you make the most of the hot springs as well. However, if you absolutely have to visit the place during the summer months its best that you squeeze in some extra travelling time during your travel plans. Also remember that certain popular attractions like the Lady Knox Geyser only “perform” during certain hours of the day. Also make sure that you dress for the weather, bring sunscreen and hats and your own drinking water.

Of course, the Champagne Pool isn’t the only attraction. You can also visit the Lady Knox Geyser nearby which is located within a 3 minute drive from the Visitor Centre. You can do so by purchasing a ticket at the Visitor Center.

Just make sure that you choose a suitable route for your trek especially if you happen to have a disability or are travelling with someone who does.

Waiotapu – Champagne Pool Neighborhoods & Towns : The pool is located 20 miles southeast of Rotoru and about 50km northeast of Taupo.

Other Major attractions in Waiotapu are :

• Lady Knox Geyser.   It provides a unique opportunity to see a geyser in eruption to heights of 10 to 20 metres. The Lady Knox Geyser is located in a separate area from the Visitor Centre (a 3 minute drive in your own vehicle) where there is also plenty of parking. Directions to her location are given when tickets are purchased from the Visitor Centre.
• Mud pool. Your visit to Wai-O-Tapu would not be complete without taking the opportunity to visit what is locally known as the Mud Pool. This was the site of a large mud volcano which was destroyed through erosion in the 1920’s.

Waiotapu – Champagne Pool facts :  The water bubbles much like a bubbly glass of champagne from which it gets its name. But before you take a dip, you might like to know it’s hot — over 160 °F and the colors, well . . . some of them come from arsenic and sulfide deposits.

It was formed by a hydrothermal eruption 900 years ago.

It’s in a crater with a diameter of about 213 feet; the geothermal pool is 230 feet deep.

These sacred waters are the most colorful geothermal area in the New Zealand.

It’s known as the Champagne Pool at the Artist’s Palette at the Wai-o-tapu Thermal Wonderland. We love these pics! Please take a look on Waiotapu Photos tab below.

Waiotapu Hints & Tips for Visitors

• Allow extra traveling time during the summer months
• Be aware that the Lady Knox Geyser erupts just once a day at 10.15 am
• It is a short drive in your own vehicle from the Visitor Centre, walking to the geyser from the Visitor Centre is not recommended for safety reasons
• There is ample parking at the site of the Lady Knox Geyser and most people are parked within a walk of about 100 metres to the geyser arena
• Dress for the weather
• In summer it is recommended that sun screen and hats are worn and drinking water carried
• Being an active volcanic area with undulating terrain, good footwear is recommended, it is not a good idea to wear jandals etc
• There are no toilet facilities in the main park, excellent toilet facilities are available at the Visitor Centre
• There are plenty of photo opportunities so it is a good idea to ensure that you have fully charged equipment and plenty of memory card
• Lockers are available for use, a NZ $2.00 coin is required
• The guide map provided with the ticket contains a lot of information about the features within the park. There are currently translations available in German, French, Italian, Spanish, Dutch, Japanese, Chinese and Korean

• Waiotapu Best Hotels
• Waiotapu Area Map
• Waiotapu Photos