Photo: Ruatapu Cave Orakei Korako

The warm clear pool at the base of the Ruatapu Cave in the Orakei Korako Geyserland on the North Island of New Zealand is known as Waiwhakaata.

Two people stand on the edge of the Waiwhakaata (the pool) at the bottom of Ruatapu Cave at Orakei Korako on the North Island of New Zealand as they study the water and possibly make a wish. Myths are known that if you place your left hand in the beautifully colored sacred water and make a wish and never tell another soul, then your wish will come true.Ruatapu Cave at Orakei Korako is situated in a geothermal field and there are only two worldwide. The cave extends one hundred and twenty feet down where you will find a sulfate rich warm water pool where many legends lay hidden beneath the surface. When you walk through the cave, the aura that surrounds you has a magical but mystical feeling about it but there is also a feeling of peace.The pool at the base of the cave was used as a cleansing place for the Maori people that resided in this area before it became a tourist attraction. These waters were found to be much warmer to wash in than the frigid waters of the local lakes. ... continue below the picture...

... There are many fascinating and interesting places to see at Orakei Korako on the North Island of New Zealand but Ruatapu Cave is by far one of the highlights. Wander down to the pool below and explore the unique world of a truly unique volcanic area.Ruatapu Cave meaning Sacred Cave is also known as Aladdin's Cave and Waiwhakaata (the pool) which means Pool of Mirrors at Orakei Korako Geyserland, near Taupo, North Island, New Zealand.