Taupo, Orakei Korako "The Golden Fleece"

Two Maori Ladies in traditional costume can be seen standing at the forefront of the Silica Terrace. Orakei Korako (Maori for "The Place of Adorning"), is a highly active geothermal area most notable for its series of fault-stepped sinter terraces, located in a valley north of Taupo on the banks of the Waikato River in the Taupo Volcanic Zone. It is also known as "The Hidden Valley". Note When hot springs overflow they often form layers of sinter – a rock made of very fine-grained silica – that takes the form of flats, terraces and mounds. Sinter terraces are one of the most distinctive features of geothermal areas, and provide evidence for past geothermal activity.