GEOLOGY
New Zealand is well known for it’s abundance of thermal springs. Many of these thermal springs are associated with faults and tectonic features. The spring located in this park is a part of The Taupo Volcanic Zone (TVZ) which is an active volcanic area located in the North Island of New Zealand. It runs 350 km from White Island in the Bay of Plenty southwest to Mt Ruapehu and has been active for the past two million years.
The volcanic activity in this area causes magma to intrude into the fractures in the earth’s crust, creating temperatures of at least 350°C even at shallow depths of 5 km. Rainwater seeps into the ground and is heated up by the magma or hot rocks. It then rises back up to the surface as thermal springs, mud pools or geysers. This is known as a geothermal system.
At the Spa Thermal Park, geothermal waters from Otumuheke Stream flow gently into the Waikato River.
For hundreds of years, Māori people have used the thermal springs in this area for cooking, bathing and leisure. To this day, people bathe and relax in it’s healing mineral water.
Access to Spa Thermal Park is free. Parking is also free but gates open between 7.00am - 8.00pm.
EARTHCACHE
To claim a find on this earthcache you will need to perform the tasks described below. Failure to provide the required answers via email, or upload the required photo with your online log may result in your log being removed.
1. Thermal springs are often said to be therapeutic. The hot water soothes and relaxes aching muscles and the minerals present in the water get absorbed into your body. Do you notice any difference in the colour of the Otumuheke Stream to the colour of the Waikato river? Email me the answer.
2. The temperature of the water around the spring can vary. The further you get from the stream the cooler the water becomes as it mixes with the cold water of the Waikato. Do you notice any steam being produced, particularly near the source of the spring (waterfalls)? Email me the answer.
3. From the published coordinates, or nearby, please take a photo of the Otumuheke Stream flowing into the Waikato River showing your GPS unit OR Yourself OR a photo of something with your username on it. There is no need to email me your picture. This photo should be uploaded with your online log.
Do not post the answer in your log. You can go ahead and log your find (ie. you don't need to wait for permission) if you answered the questions above and uploaded the correct picture.
Happy Earthcaching!!!
