Frying Pan Lake

About

The aptly named Frying Pan Lake formed in 1886 when Mount Tarawera exploded. Known as New Zealand’s largest volcanic eruption, it destroyed villages and reshaped the landscape, creating the Waimangu Volcanic Rift Valley. Covering 38,000 square meters in part of the volcanic crater, the lake waters are a scalding 113 to 131 degrees Fahrenheit, and the carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulfide emissions give off a constant steam. Arguably the largest hot spring in the world, the lake and the hot water streaming from it are a beautiful testament to the power of nature.