Lost Eighth Wonder of the World Rediscovered in New Zealand (2017)
Scientists believe they have finally discovered the “Eighth Wonder Of The World” in New Zealand, buried by a massive volcanic eruption. Now, 131 years since this natural wonder of the world disappeared, scientists have likely found the location of New Zealand’s magical Pink and White Terraces of Lake Rotomahana. This potential rediscovery in 2017 brought global attention to the long-lost geological marvel once hailed as the 8th Wonder Of The World 2017.
The terraces represent one of the largest silica deposits of their kind known globally but were thought to have been completely destroyed and buried after the catastrophic 1886 volcanic eruption of Mount Tarawera. However, through a combination of diligent research and fortunate circumstances, scientists were able to pinpoint almost exactly where the terraces once stood. Their breakthrough came from using detailed notes preserved in a 19th-century field diary.
These stunning geological formations were considered a world of wonder and were global attractions in the mid-19th century. Tourists from around the world traveled great distances to witness this natural wonder. One of the researchers highlighted that shiploads of visitors embarked on voyages from the UK, Europe, and America specifically to see the terraces and bathe in their therapeutic springs. Despite the immense popularity of the terraces, their precise location was never thoroughly documented with modern mapping standards. This lack of detailed records, combined with the dramatic alteration of the local landscape caused by Mount Tarawera’s eruption, made their modern-day location incredibly challenging to ascertain.
The Disappearance of the Pink and White Terraces
Located near Lake Rotomahana on New Zealand’s North Island, the Pink and White Terraces formed a scenic panorama often compared to a combination of Asian rice paddies and the thermal pools found in Yellowstone National Park.
The terraces were created through a process of sinter deposition. This occurs when hot spring water, rich in dissolved minerals, cools upon reaching the surface and deposits these minerals along the edges of the pool. Over time, these mineral deposits accumulate, forming a barrier or bank around the pool. As the water overflows, it flows down to a lower level, repeating the process and gradually building successive tiers, thus creating the distinctive terraced structure of mineral-rich hot springs.
The terraces displayed both white and pink coloration, a result of their specific mineralogy and the presence of unique bacterial colonies thriving in the extreme environment. The striking pink hue observed in some sections is believed to be primarily due to certain species of pink-colored bacteria that flourish in hot, mineral-rich water environments. A contemporary parallel can be seen in Yellowstone’s Grand Prismatic Spring, which exhibits a spectrum of colors ranging from deep blue to green and vibrant red.
The White Terraces were the larger formation, covering approximately 20 acres and comprising about 50 individual terraces. The Pink Terraces, while relatively smaller, were more frequently utilized as bathing pools by 19th-century tourists, largely owing to their reputation for clearer water.
Reconstruction or depiction of the Pink and White Terraces, New Zealand, once considered the eighth wonder of the world
Following the devastating volcanic eruption of Mount Tarawera in 1886, the terraces were lost to the world. Some scientists initially hypothesized that the powerful eruption had completely destroyed the formations or pushed them to the bottom of the newly expanded Lake Rotomahana. However, more recent research conducted in 2017 suggested a less destructive fate: that the terraces might remain relatively intact but simply lie hidden beneath a substantial layer of ash and mud, potentially up to 50 feet thick.
The Scientific Breakthrough
Utilizing an old field notebook belonging to the pioneering geologist Ferdinand von Hochstetter, who surveyed the area before the eruption, scientists were able to achieve a significant breakthrough. Hochstetter’s detailed notes and sketches provided crucial geographical references. By forensically analyzing these historical documents and comparing them with modern mapping data, researchers were able to pinpoint the likely location of the terraces with remarkable accuracy, estimated to be within approximately 115 feet of their former position. These compelling findings were subsequently published in the prestigious Journal of the Royal Society of New Zealand, accompanied by comprehensive illustrations and a detailed account of the forensic methodology used to deduce the terraces’ location. The potential rediscovery of this natural wonder house generated considerable excitement among scientists and heritage enthusiasts globally.
As of the initial reports in 2017, the scientists involved were awaiting approval from the local authorities to commence excavation efforts at the identified site. The hope is that these efforts will eventually reveal the long-lost Pink and White Terraces, potentially confirming their status as the “eighth natural wonder of the world” and allowing a new generation to appreciate this incredible geological treasure.
The potential rediscovery of the Pink and White Terraces in 2017, a site once revered as the eighth natural wonder of the world, marks a significant moment in both scientific exploration and cultural heritage. Using historical records to locate a landmark lost to a powerful natural event highlights the value of historical documentation and perseverance in research. While excavation is required to fully confirm the findings, the strong evidence suggests that this legendary geological formation may yet emerge from beneath the ash, offering a glimpse into the Earth’s dynamic past and a celebrated piece of New Zealand’s natural history.
