While still in Taupo we decided to take a look at the Aratiatia Falls, a narrow gorge that is flooded four times a day from the lake in order to feed the hydroelectric station according to demand. We got there for midday when a flooding was scheduled and found a good viewing area. It was impressive to see the small stream turn quickly into a raging torrent. From here we started the drive towards Rotoroa. A sign in the road led us to take a detour to a thermal area called 'The Hidden Valley'. Amazing place where a large silica deposit has slowly built up from the oozing thermal waters and geysers flowing into a lake. There has been much geothermal activity in the area over the years including some massive volcanic eruptions in the distant past that first created the thermals and often change their layout and location. We had a good walk around the area on a boardwalk, and although none of the geysers were feeling particularly active we saw a lot of bubbling pools of water and mud, and the many coloured algae that thrive in the hot water and sun. We also climbed down into a beautiful cave with a turquoise pool at the bottom we were advised would do a great job of cleaning our jewellery, and it did! With shining rings we climbed out and back to the lake were a boat took us back across to the car park, and souvenir shop of course!
From leaving here we followed a tip off in our Lonely Planet guide which told us about a thermal pool in the middle of a farmers paddock that was free to take a dip in. We found it, and also found that decking had been build around it, there was somewhere to park, a small changing shed, and it was still free! Fantastic, and very welcome after another shower-less campsite the night before. The temperature was perfect and it pelted down with rain while we sat and soaked waiting for the sun to come out again. Then when it did, we got out, dried off, and went on our way to Rotoroa.