Its water is stagnant and looks more like a swamp than a lake! But today many people go to New Zealand to see the stunning beauty of this lake. Scientists are also researching the lake to learn more about it and uncover its secrets. You are allowed to look at it from a short distance and from behind the wooden fences that surround this mysterious lake. The yellow color may dazzle your eyes at first glance, but the deceptive beauty of this lake should not deceive you. Because this beautiful, colorful and glazed water is poisonous and contains dangerous gases. The water of this lake has been stagnant for many years and has not chosen any destination to go to, and now this stinking water is called the Devil’s Bath Lake.
Devil’s Bath is the name of a pond in New Zealand located in the Waiotapu Protected Area. Waiotapu is one of the few places on earth that has special geographical features. In fact, the heat energy of the earth in this particular area is very high and has created this beautiful pond called the Devil’s Bath. The color of this beautiful phenomenon is yellow or, to be more precise, it is phosphorescent. Of course, this color depends on the weather conditions and the amount of light that shines on it. On days when the weather is cloudy, its color will be darker and if the weather is sunny, it will be lighter.
This phosphorescent lake with all its beauties has poisonous and dangerous water. There are all kinds of volcanic gases and toxic elements in this water and the reason for naming it is because of the presence of these elements. The devil’s bath is one of the phenomena of this region, there is even another lake in ” Waiotapu ” which is called the Devil’s House. This is due to the presence of gases and toxic elements that are the result of global warming activities.
Due to the high water temperature and hot weather in this area, no living things live here, but some plants that can withstand high temperatures live in this area. Among plants, only mosses and lichens can survive at high temperatures. There is a tropical moss called “kanuka” in this area that can withstand high temperatures compared to other plants and can survive up to 55 ° C.
You may be interested to know that there is still no convincing reason for the formation of such a lake, and scientists are still researching it. But the reason for its beautiful color is the presence of sulfur and a kind of salt with a little iron. The reason for the presence of these elements is the geothermal activity in this area. In fact, the Devil’s Bath is located in a unique area in New Zealand where rare phenomena are caused by geothermal activity. The devil’s bath is one of them. Underwater eruptions send these elements up, and then these elements combine with the minerals of hot springs to create this beautiful lake.
While these areas are very vulnerable, they are also dangerous and you will be exposed to the dangers while enjoying the beauty of it. One of these dangers is the inhalation of toxic gases that exist throughout the region. Another risk may be landslides, because in areas where there is geothermal activity, the earth’s crust is much thinner than in other areas and may put you at risk of landslides.
This area is one of the most unique places on the planet. There are several other places to visit next to the Devil’s Bath. One of these places is the Lady Knox hot spring, which throws water out at a pressure of up to 20 meters every day at 10:15, and the reason for this phenomenon is the heat energy of the earth.
The story does not end there. The Paint Pool is another place of interest whose beauty dazzles the eyes of every viewer. The lake is called The Paint Pool because the lake water has a combination of several colors. This is due to the presence of various minerals and gases in the water.
Devil’s Bath is located in a tourist area and there are various amenities in this area, including a service center where tourists can relax. You can have a short stop in this place and after a little rest, start your visit to this amazing area. Of course, there is also a store in this center where you can get the items you need. In addition, the “Geyser” coffee shop is ready to serve visitors from this area.
To get to the Waiotapu Protected Area you have to drive about 27 km south of the Rotorua area, then turn left just in front of Waikit Road, after 2 km of the main road You will see the “Waiotapu” sign.
