Craters of the Moon & Huka Falls - Taupo, New Zealand

HUKA FALLS

It takes an hour to walk up the hilly Thermal Explorer Highway out of Taupo, branching off along Huka Falls Road to reach the falls. The thundering noise from the power of the waterfall increases more and more the closer you walk.

The Waikato River narrows through a 15 metre wide hard rock channel and drops off a nine metre fall. It is not the height of Huka Falls that is meant to impress. It is the sheer volume of water horizontally pushed through.

A foot bridge makes it possible to cross over or look down on the turbulent rush of blue, green, aqua and white water which refreshingly sprayed my face and camera lens.

Taken from the bridge looking towards the entrance of the falls.

Across the gorge, well constructed walking tracks surrounded by native trees and mosses lead to fenced viewing areas for photo opportunities.

Huka is Maori for “foam” and there is plenty of froth and bubbles at the bottom of the falls. The excessive undertow at the base prevents fish migration upstream, hence the trout stay in Lake Taupo for the fishing enthusiasts.

A thirty minute walk north of the falls is another worthy natural attraction to see.

CRATERS OF THE MOON

The visitor guest book at the cashier window had lazy one-word comment entries like “Great”, “Cool”, “Nice”.

Run by volunteers and a charity since 1991, Craters of the Moon is not so well-known as other geothermal parks on the North Island such as Rotaroa. The entry fee includes a simple map.

“Stick to the paths. Do not go off the boardwalk” was the stern volunteers advice to me.

On the map, along with prominent signs, are warnings “Thermal areas can be dangerous – no liability is accepted for injuries while visiting this site”.

Before the wooden boardwalk was built, visitors would suffer feet and leg burns when getting too close to the steam vents out of the earth. The field is still active with new craters and vents opening up regularly due to the constant earth movement and blockages. The wooden boardwalk is adjusted and rebuilt regularly to provide safe access.

First impressions of the Craters of the Moon

Beginning the 45 minute walk around, I started snapping photos excited by the first steam vents (fumeroles) I came across. These were only small and laughable to photograph when looking back as it is only a prelude to what is to come.

Occassional hissing noises occur as the steam gushes through the vents and cracks. You can feel the heat at times. The boardwalk past the first lookout has pumice stone melted onto it.

Walking between the craters is like an alien landscape with a mix of weird pink and red colored mud, rocks, ash and green shrubbery. The smell of sulphur is prominent but not overpowering.

At the third lookout I see the first bubbling mud blobs and the guide says this crater erupts mud and pumice regularly.

My guest book comment was “Wonderful attraction. I hope my photos do it justice”.

A leisurely walk back to Taupo is possible by following a track along the clean, emerald-coloured Waikato River, encountering along the way small hot spring waterfalls and watch the adventurous bungee jumpers.

Huka Falls – Free attraction

Craters of the Moon is open 364 days per year

Adults $8.00 per person Children $4.00 per child (5 to 15 years) Under 5 years - free Family Price - $20 per family

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All photos taken by myself.

Original article posted August 13 2014 on my blog.