Springs · Whakapapa Village

Silica Rapids

Creamy-white and golden mineral terraces where spring water runs over old lava.

Cold springs loaded with aluminium silicate emerge below a Ruapehu lava flow. As the water tumbles down the rapids the minerals precipitate out as white and ochre deposits that coat the rocks. On the walk in from the village you pass Punaruku Falls and a stream bed stained gold by iron.

❄ The upper section around 1,250 m sees occasional winter snow; usually walkable all year.