Champagne Cauldron, Wairakei, New Zealand, so named because of the exquisite sparkle of its ever-boiling contents

Champagne Cauldron, Wairakei, New Zealand, so named because of the exquisite sparkle of its ever-boiling contents

Champagne Cauldron, Wairakei, New Zealand

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The most impressive sight in the Geyser Valley at wairakei it the Champagne Cauldron, so named because of the exquisite sparkle of its ever-boiling contents. The huge opening in the ground is 83 feet in depth, and measures 60 feet by 80 feet from lip to lip. Some idea of the size of its steam-cloud may be estimated by comparing its volume with the figure on the cliff. There is a flight of steps from the main track, leading to the eminence on which he stands. The water in the boiling pool is a delicious blue of wonderful transparency, that lends additional brilliance to the constant effervescence. The water issues from the solid rock, and its overflow finds its way into the Wairakei River, creating in its journey a sinter path of delicate, creamy ripples, dashed with white and silver grey. The Cauldron boils up at times to a height of ten or twelve feet, emitting fearful sounds, and throwing off overpowering clouds of scalding steam, that appal the spectators. It is estimated that the perpendicular back of the blow-out must reach nearly 100 feet. The pool is truly a magnificent sight. Its dominant colour is a luminous blue, transparent in spite of its ebullition, and as the dazzling foam rises steadily upwards, it mounts into a pyramid of white effervescence. From this pyramidal mass of froth, waves break away, and descend in quick succession down the sinister slope. Around the Cauldron is a thick fringe of shrubbery, that is partly hidden amidst the clouds of steam. The sides of the valley are clothed with the beautiful variety of manuka that forms one of the many charms of this beautiful valley.

1 gelatine silver print stereograph (10 x 15 cm) mounted on card (10 x 18 cm)

Copyright George Rose. No known restrictions on publication