After a full day at sea we docked on the eastern shore of the north island so we could visit the inland area known as Rotorua, which sits squarely on the Taupō volcanic zone and is thus rich with geothermal activity. We spent the morning exploring the many fascinating features of the Waiotapu thermal park – deep craters, bubbling pools of mud, and the colorful landscape made as mineral-rich waters evaporated or nurtured underwater fungal life.
At this site managed by local Māori, a local guide gave us a quick walking tour of the highlights. When the tour ended and the group was allowed free time to visit the gift shop, I doubled-back to walk the circuit again, and beyond, seeking more opportunities to photograph the fascinating features of this sprawling complex.
I particularly enjoyed the colorful underwater formations of the Champagne Pool, which was burping and bubbling carbon dioxide.
I was fascinated by the European Starlings, who nested in the walls of several craters where the air was warm enough they need not brood on their nest to keep eggs warm, and the walls were too steep or crumbly to allow access by predators.
I was amused to learn that the sound of one bubbling mud pool, deep inside a crater, had been recorded and used for scenes of Mordor in the Lord of the Rings movie trilogy. [click the photo to listen to the video]
Finally, I encourage you to visit the photo gallery for more scenes of this beautiful and fascinating place.
David Kotz 
You were in Rotorua and didn’t go Zorbing? Oh, the missed opportunities!
But besides that, thanks for the pictures – the starlings nesting in thermal craters is both fascinating and delightful