| | | Otehake river, Arthurs Pass National Park |
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The Otehake river from the hot pools campsite (by moonlight). The campsite is located on a small island in the river. The cold river (shown) flows down one side while hot water seeps up in the usually dry flood channel on the other. Beech forest, plenty of firewood and hot pools make an otherwise inhospitable and remote spot into one the best campsites in NZ. However, if the river floods or is high, then the hot springs tend to be swamped by cold water.
In any case, some civil engineering is required to bring out the best of the springs... a few canals and dams to regulate the temperature are a good idea. I usually bring a spade.
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More pictures of the Arthur's Pass region | Back to Jonathan's gallery Copyright (c) 1996 Jonathan Carr |