Exploration of Lake Rotomahana.

New Zealand Illustrated Magazine, Volume V, Issue 1, 1 October 1901, Page 9

Exploration of Lake Rotomahana.

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By Hakold Blomkiuf-d

Ip|||ECENTLY, while exploring the scene fllQgP °f the great Tarawera eruption, a J lAw small party of three men made i Aw \\( *^M\| some discoveries which excited considerable interest in Rotorua. The discoveries were in connection with the far-famed Pink Terraces, supposed to have been destroyed in the eruption fifteen years ago. In order to test the truth of the statements made, a party, consisting of the writer, Messrs. lies, Stewart, Griffiths, Wi. Duncan, Riri, Kapu, and Shepherd, well-known local people and competent guides, was organised, and taking with them all necessary epuipments, started on their journey. Leaving Rotorua about nine a.m. they were conveyed to Wairoa by coach. The

little party, with their bag 1 and bsiggage ami three dogs, then embarked in two small boats from the shores of Tarawera Lake en route for the mountain. As the day was fine and the wind fair, sail was set, and the two small craft vied with each other in cutting 1 through the rippling water. All went well until about half way across t.lio lake, when a nasty gust of wind struck both boats with sudden force. Heeling over before the blast, they were within an ace of foundering, but fortunately they were skilfully handled, and though half filled with water, ran before the wind with flapping sails. The lake was lashed into fury by the wind, and huge waves made their appearance in very little time. A sigh of relief was heard as a sheltering point was

gained near the base of Tamwera. Hei'e the boats were hauled up, and preparations made to camp for the night.

One of the party, a little more inquisitive than the rest, when walking round disturbed a sleeping boar. The pig, with a squeal of alarm, bolted along the border of the lake, the dogs following in hot pursuit. After giving chase for some time, the boar, finding himself cornered, took to the water and swam out into the lake. The dogs followed, and a boat was also put off. A fight ensued between the boar and a dog ; the latter, coming off none too well in the encounter, had to be taken into the boat. The boar

was then driven ashore, where he was held by the dogs, and speedily despatched with a knife. Finding a cozy corner, the Maoris speedily put up tents, and made a comfortable camp for the night.

Next morning an early start was made for Lake Rotomahana. Crossing over an arm of Lake Tarawera in the boats, the old watercourse between the Tarawera and Botomabana Lakes, now covered to a considerable depth in mud, was reached Here tbe small boat was drawn up, turned

upside down, and with some difficulty put on the shoulders of six of the party, who slowly proceeded overland with their burden. The way was terribly rough and the boat very heavy, necessitating a halt every hundred yards or so. The ground was covered with scoria and mud, making the footing difficult. The distance along the route taken by the party was barely a mile, but all up-hill, and so intensely rough that the journey took two and a-half hours to accomplish. Finally Lake Rotomahana was reached, and the boat rested on a mud cliff about sixty feet above the sea.

A long rope had fortunately been brought over with the boat, and this- was utilized to lower the small craft on to a shingle bed at the water's edge. The work was difficult and dangerous, as the mud crumbled and gave way under the strain. Then after a brief interval for rest and refreshment, the first boat was launched on Lake Rotoraahana since the eruption. Three hearty cheera were given for the occasion.

Before crossing the lake a carefnl survey of the district was taken, and various points-

noted as a guide. The lake has risen to a great height, as yet having no outlet, the depth beingestimated by the natives to be quite five hundred feet. It has grown into a great body of water, quite half as large as Lake Rotorua. On the western side ther ma 1

activity was very pronounced, and the new

geyser recently discovered, though not playing, roared with tremendous force. Two of the illustrations given show the lake before and after the eruption ; they will give a good idea of the way iv which the lake has extended in some directions. The second photograph was taken from a much higher altitude than the first, and the lake in it is some one hundred feet higher than in the other. But the location can be easily discovered. The x to the left of the photos indicates the Pink Terraces in one instance, and the site of the Pink Terrace in the

Crossing the lake the party landed in the vicinity of the site of the Pink Terraces, where the thermal action was conspicuous, but the steam was so dense that little or nothing could be seen from the land. Emerging again, they rowed over a portion of the lake that was boiling. The sensation of rowing over a body of water in this state in a frail craft, with steam rising all round, is not enviable, but still intensely weird and sensational. Penetrating through the steam many wonderful sights were witnessed. A huge torpedo exploding at intervals near the boat made the danger imminent, but the explorers, intent on the purpose for

which they came, heeded not. A wonderful steam paddle-wheel geyser was discovered. At some little distance the sound was an exact imitation of a ferry steamer, the regular beat of the wheel being very distinct. Going closer to, the bank where this peculiar geyser was situated, it was found in a small cave, the water boing thrown out at each beat. The steam, however, was so dense that it was impossible to find out the cause of this peculiar phenomena. Various other steam effects, more wonderful than any yet shown, were discovered, and when possible photographs taken of them. Some of the illustrations given show considerable thermal activity on the shores of Lake Rotomahana.

The new geyser, aforementioned, was

next examined. It lies close .to the water's edge, and as fai' as can be proved is the old cauldron which existed on the top of the Pink Terraces. There is abundance of evidence to prove that the site of these famous terraces extends from the geysers into the lake, and that they still remain, being only covered with mud and water Mutilated they may be, but it is more likely that they remain intact. One of the party made a careful examination of strata around these parts, and the result was thai,

as far as the investigation went, it tended to show that the original formation of hills and cliffs had not been disturbed, except that the volcanic mud had been piled over everything without discrimination. As previously mentioned, the water in Lake Rotomahana has risen to a great height, and almost covered the site of the terraces. The difference in height between the two lakes can be noticed in one of the photos. The lake now extends to the base of Tarawera, taking in Lake Rotomakariri, and occupying a considerable area of

country. Luke Tamwra extends an arm at the base of the mountain, which is only a few hundred yards from a sitniliar one from Rotomahana. By cutting a channel through the small hill intervening, Rotomahana might easily be lowered sixty or seventy feet. This would drain the water off. the buried terraces, and enable further operations to be carried on. While (here is a possibility of our great national treasure being recovered, it behoves Government to do all that lies in its power lo regain it..

in order to get a clearer conception of tin; exact locality, fcho little party ascended Mount Taraweraon the following day. The scene even from the base of the mountain is an impressive one. Tarawera Lake is surrounded with hoary-headed hills, which present a peculiarly pretty effect. The volcanic mud, with which they are covered, has by the rainfalls of years been cut into miniature Alpine ranges, and these, standing out sharply, grey and razor-backed, give the impression of venerableness — hills hoary and wrinkled with great age. Ascending

further, the way becomes move difficult, and progress is slow. Still the reward of the arduous climb is the magnificent view the traveller gets. The top is reached, and the lakes lay three thousand feet below on a great plateau, varied in colour and magnificence. In front lies Lake Tarawern, emerald green ; to the north Okataina and Okareka, behind them again Rotorua Lake, all a duskier green than Taraweia. To the south lies Rerewhakaiiu, a pretty blue lake o'listeniny; in the snow. South-

east lies Rotomahana, and in the far distance Lake Okaro. The thermal activity on the shores of Lake Rotomahana was carefully noted, and the locality taken. It coincided with the locations made on the level of the lake. A splendid view was obtained from the top of Mount Tarawera. Ruapehu stood out prominently in its mantle of snow, and Tongariro smoked vigorously near by. The Ruahine Ranges, also snow-clad, were distinctly seen. White Island, on the other

side, was also very distinct, steaming away on its own. The weather was beautifully clear, and the country many miles away seemed quite near. Several drifts of snow lay on the mountain top, and the party indulged in a snow light by way of recreation. The descent was accomplished in much shorter tune. A portion of the mountain side is composed of very due scoria, and lias a very steep grade. By Inking big jumps, or rven by sliding down, that portion of the descent wns speedily effected.

There are a large number of pigs on Tarawera, and as food was scarce, a good bag was soon obtained. Thirty-five were captured during the trip. One of the illustrations shows the result of a few hours' hunt.

Since the return of the party to Rotorua, the result of this trip has been fully discussed by the old guides and those who knew the district before the eruption, and the general opinion is that the verdict returned by the explorers is a correct one, that the terraces are oulv buried.

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