Couple risk lives posing for photo next to boiling thermal springs in New Zealand

‘I couldn’t believe my eyes’

A couple visiting New Zealand endangered their lives to get the perfect picture by posing next to boiling thermal springs.

Completely ignoring the “Danger Thermal Area” sign, the tourists set up shop amid steaming rocks at the Sulphur Point thermal area in Rotorua on the North Island.

The area features searing pools, acidic geysers and even dangerous bacteria.

A local caught the pair on video, with footage that pans between their photo shoot and the warning sign, which very clearly shows that crossing the boundary is prohibited. Steam can be seen coming from geysers around them.

“I couldn’t believe my eyes,” said Winston Aldworth, travel editor at the NZ Herald, who filmed the spectacle.

“We do get the occasional complaint regarding people ignoring safety signage at our geothermal areas however, the majority of locals and visitors are respectful and follow instructions,” Rob Pitkethley, sport, recreation and environment manager for the council, told the Herald.

“Safety is our top priority, however we know that Rotorua’s unique landscape is what draws so many people to our district. We want to create spaces where people can enjoy the active environment as much as possible from a safe distance.”

It’s not the first time tourists have swapped safety for the perfect snap.

In April, too many dangerous selfies forced the closure of the outdoor carriage on New Zealand’s iconic Coastal Pacific train.

The 350km route between Picton and Christchurch takes in some of the South Island’s most beautiful scenery, which tourists frequently tried and capture from the train’s viewing carriage.

However, travellers were putting their lives at risk by leaning out of the carriage to take selfies, photos and videos of the landscape.

“Despite the number of signs and announcements on board our trains pointing out the dangers of this, we have seen passengers leaning out with selfie sticks, iPads and their bodies, often unaware of an approaching tunnel which could cause a tragic incident for themselves, and others in the carriage,” said Katie McMahon, general manager of KiwiRail group, which operates the service.