Tuesday, May 9, 2017

NEW ZEALAND ~ Aladdin's Cave - Orakei Korako ~

... Beautiful panoramic view of Orakei Korako also known as The Hidden Valley... this geothermal is situated in tropical trees and ferns... it looks like a scene out of Jurassic Park... also scenes from the BBC's Natural History Series Walking with Dinosaurs were filmed at Orakei Korako... it is probably the best thermal area left in New Zealand... Thanks a lot Aaron!!ヽ(ヅ)ノ
Photo: Bob Beresford

From backside postcard:
"A view looking up from inside this deep cave in the Orakei Koraka thermal area. There's a hot water pool at the bottom. Native Punga ferns are growing at the entrance."

Orakei Korako (Māori for "The Place of Adorning") and Thermal Park are located in a valley north of Taupo on the banks of the Waikato River in the Taupo Volcanic Zone.

Ruatapu cave meaning sacred cave also known as Aladdin's Cave descends steeply into volcanic tuff. Tuff is consolidated ash deposited from a volcanic eruption, this one being from an eruption approximately 100,000 years ago. The cave extends 45 metres into the surrounding rock and descends for 23 metres. The small pool at the base of the cave is known as Waiwhakaata or 'The Pool of Mirrors'.

The Maori people once used the pool at the base of Aladdin's Cave as a place to clean themselves.

Stamp:

Southern Lights
(Issued 08-02-2017)


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