Waimanga -The Volcanic Valley

This morning we had a walk around Rotorua village and Lakeside. There are small springs of hot, sulphurous water bubbling out of the paths, under walls, as well as  in the lake. But also,there are beautiful gardens, bowling greens and petanque pitch, and an interesting church too.(See second extra which shows an original bath house called the Blue Spa. )The museum is under massive restoration to ensure the building is resistant to earthquakes following seismic damage some twenty years ago.
This afternoon we drove about 30 minutes south to Waimanga, the so called  volcanic valley, which was even more amazing.We did a well marked walk down into the valley which is full of natural hydro thermal activity. My main blip shows Martin beside a boiling stream of sulphuric acid! The extra shows the Inferno Crater Lake ( with me to indicate how huge it is). It is fed by a geyser like source, and completely empties and fills every 38 days. It also becomes bluer as it fills up so I think we can say we saw it on a nearly full day. Afterwards a coach was provided to take walkers up the valley to the start. 
Then we returned to Rotorua to indulge in the hot baths at the Polynesian Spa. They are all outdoors but the water is 39 - 41 C. Some are mildly acidic and some weakly alkaline.Afterwards, I had a relaxing massage by a jolly lady from Fiji which eased my aching shoulders and neck.
What extraordinary sights we have seen today.