The Emerald Lake on the Tongariro Track in New Zealand

by Andreas Peters

The Emerald Lakes on the Tongariro Track in New Zealand glow in bright emerald and jade green colours, which constantly change depending on the position of the sun and weather conditions.

These intense colours are created by mineral deposits and volcanic gases that rise from the geothermally active ground and bathe the water in an almost unearthly glow. Embedded in a barren, rust-red and ash-grey volcanic landscape, the shimmering lakes form a fascinating contrast to the harsh surroundings. When the sky is reflected in their still waters, deep blue and golden reflections are added, making the Emerald Lakes appear like magical jewels in the midst of the desert-like scenery of the Tongariro National Park.

On some days, when steam rises from the nearby fumaroles, the air above the lakes seems to shimmer, while sulphurous minerals leave yellow traces along the shores. The colour palette changes depending on the viewing angle - sometimes the lakes appear in a deep, almost unnatural green, sometimes their water shimmers in soft turquoise tones, interspersed with golden reflections of light. The play of colours is particularly impressive in contrast to the dark lava rocks that characterise the surroundings and reinforce the alien, almost extraterrestrial atmosphere. As you walk along the crater rim, a new view of these bright splashes of colour in the middle of the barren volcanic landscape opens up again and again, giving the Emerald Lakes their incomparable magic.