Champagne Pool, Geothermal pool in Waiotapu, New Zealand.
Champagne Pool is a geothermal basin roughly 65 meters across in the Waiotapu region, filled with mineral-rich water that stays consistently between 73 and 75 degrees Celsius. The basin is ringed by rocky edges and sits within a wider geothermal field containing numerous hot springs and steam vents nearby.
The basin formed roughly 900 years ago through a hydrothermal eruption and sits within the Okataina Volcanic Centre near the Reporoa caldera. This geothermal landscape has been shaped over millennia by ongoing volcanic activity typical of this region.
The name Waiotapu means 'sacred waters' in Māori, reflecting how indigenous people have long understood this geothermal zone as spiritually significant. Today visitors can sense this cultural connection through the preserved landscape and the respect shown by local communities.
The pool is well marked and reached via a maintained walkway equipped with handrails and viewing platforms for safe exploration. Visitors should wear sturdy shoes and be aware of hot steam rising from the water, which is especially visible on cooler days.
The water shimmers in green and orange hues created by mineral deposits and algae, while carbon dioxide bubbles continuously rise to the surface. This color display shifts depending on the angle of light and time of day, making each visit look different.
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