Ernst Dieffenbach was one of the first European to visit Rotomahana in June 1841. He briefly explored the lake and terraces during a survey for the New Zealand Company. His account in “Travels in New Zealand” ignited global interest in the Pink and White Terraces. These terraces, often hailed as the Eighth Wonder of the World, became a renowned tourist attraction in New Zealand. The challenging journey to reach them involved multiple modes of transportation, including steamer, coach, canoe, and foot, with access controlled by Tūhourangi. Tourists, as described by artist Charles Blomfield, followed a specific itinerary, starting at the White Terrace, enjoying lunch by a boiling spring, moving to the Pink Terrace for bathing, and then returning.
References:
Ferguson, J. A. Bibliography of Australia Volumes 1-8, Canberra 1976 9829g.
Hughes-d’Aeth, T. Paper Nation : The Story of the Picturesque Atlas of Australia. Melbourne 2001.
Collections:
National Library Australia: Bib ID 1654251
National Gallery Australia: LEGACY ID 34588
Royal Collection Trust UK: RCIN 1046852
Getty Museum Los Angeles: Object name: 1218593
State Library New South Wales: RECORD IDENTIFIER 74VvDRQZXzWd
State Library Victoria: CCF 919.4 G19
