Pohutu Geyser, Geothermal geyser in Whakarewarewa Valley, New Zealand
Pohutu Geyser is a hot spring in Rotorua's geothermal region that shoots water jets to considerable heights. It sits within Whakarewarewa Valley, surrounded by other active thermal features and bubbling pools.
The geyser became known in the 1800s and attracted early visitors fascinated by its powerful eruptions. The valley has remained an active geothermal site studied by researchers over many decades.
The name comes from the Māori language and reflects the deep connection between the indigenous people and this natural thermal feature in their ancestral land.
Visitors can watch eruptions from a safe viewing platform built right next to the geyser. It is wise to wear weather-resistant clothing since the surrounding area becomes damp and steamy.
What surprises many people is that eruptions have grown more frequent over recent decades, which scientists did not always expect. This shift may be connected to geothermal energy use in the broader region.
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