Pink and White Terraces, Lake Rotomahana, New Zealand
Back in the mid-19th century, these gorgeous naturally-formed cascading pools attracted tourists from across the globe and were one of the biggest draws for those visiting the southern hemisphere.
Often dubbed “the eighth wonder of the world” they were destroyed by the eruption of Mount Tarawera back in 1886, and now their glory is captured only by a handful of paintings, like this one by English artist Charles Blomfield.
Nowadays, Lake Rotomahana remains a beautiful sight, although the exact location of the Pink and White Terraces is not known. However, researchers are using the diaries of geologist Ferdinand von Hochstetter, who wrote detailed notes on its location before the eruption, to try to pinpoint and excavate the terraces – meaning they could one day be restored.
