Champagne Pool (2014.353)

The Champagne Pool is so known because of the high prominence of carbon dioxide, which is released to the atmosphere in tiny bubbles, as with champagne.

You certainly wouldn't want to drink this however. High concentrations of heavy metals abound, such as arsenic and antimony. These solidify in compounds that cause the colourful "beach" area in contrast to the silica rock surrounding.

And you wouldn't want to bathe in the water either. It is approximately 75 degrees C (167 deg F) at the surface, but at its deepest point the water is around 260 degrees C, not boiling because of the weight of water above.

The champagne pool is an iconic feature of the Wai-O-Tapu geothermal region just south of Rotorua. There's plenty to see here, including the Lady Knox Geyser and bubbling mud pools. It's all very well laid out, with easy walking paths that have a variety of routes according to your available time and energy. Very much worth a visit.