Nature's Spa of the South Pacific.0:16
From the moment you arrive in the town of Rotorua, In New Zealand, evidence of volcanic activity is everywhere.0:26
Volcanoes tower above the landscape, steam rises from cracks in the rock, and smelly pools of bubbling mud and boiling water gushes from the ground.0:35
15 kilometers north of Rotorua is the perfect place to see it all—Hell's Gate.0:47
Join us on a tour of this sizzling wonderland.0:54
Just make sure you obey the rules, or you really will be in hot water.0:58
Supposedly, the Kakahe Falls are the largest hot geothermal waterfall in the Southern Hemisphere.1:04
The water reaches a temperature of around 40°C, about the same as your shower in the morning.1:12
The falls are very special to the local Māori people.1:20
Many years ago, warriors would come here to cleanse their wounds after battle, believing it helped them heal.1:24
Unfortunately, people aren't allowed to use it anymore.1:32
Next up is the Sulphur Bath.1:36
This name is rather misleading though.1:39
This pool has never been used for bathing, as the water in it is actually strong sulphuric acid.1:42
It will seriously harm your skin if you come into contact with it, and might be the last bath you ever take.1:49
A little further along the trail, we come to an 18-meter-high mud volcano.1:57
Instead of lava, hot mud erupts from it.2:03
It hardens, and then, every 6 weeks, explodes over a 5-meter diameter.2:07
Thankfully, this always happens at night, so the piping hot mud poses no danger to visitors.2:15
Next comes the hottest part of the tour.2:23
The water here can reach 122°C, but because of natural chemicals in the water, it doesn't turn into steam.2:26
Not far away are the cooking pools, so-called because they were used to cook food.2:36
Māori people used an arrangement like a fishing rod to dangle food in the water until it was done.2:43
The Māori and others came to our next stop, the Medicine Lake, to bathe, hoping to ease their arthritis and skin diseases.2:50
However, the staff don't advise visitors to do the same, as the changing condition of the lake can make it dangerous.3:01
You're welcome to put a hand into the warm green water and experience its softness.3:09
If you still want to soak yourself, there's the last stop.3:16
At the end of your tour, make sure you take time to enjoy a soothing thermal mud bath at the Hell's Gate Spa, overlooking the sights.3:20
A visit to this health spa will leave you renewed.3:31
Just be aware that the volcanic chemicals will make your swimming costume stink for a long time afterwards, so it's best to wear an old one.3:35
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