Rotorua

A place where the earth is very thin-skinned and its passion breaks out in unexpected places.   We arrived in time to make use of a Grabone voucher I had purchased for Two BLT meals.   These turned out to be bacon, lettuce and tomato with 3 layers of toast in between.

After lunch we found our way to the visitors information centre and got some maps and pamphlets.   There is an 8km walk around town so we decided to do a bit of it along the lake front.   I particularly wanted to see the geothermal sites.   These are areas where either heat escapes as steam or boiling mud.   We came out at the Museum which is a stunning building.

After treating ourselves to an ice-cream, we made our way to Bronwyn and Martin’s plot overlooking the lake.

It is always good to see an old friend and to catch up stories.   We had a wonderful dinner and stayed talking till late.   Next day they took us for a walk to Kuirau Park.   This is the closest area to Rotorua city with boiling mudpools and steaming small geysers.   The area is a little unstable and new hotspots can break out at any time.   Even the cricket ground nearby has been affected.

 

Then while Bronwyn had to spend two hours at work, we went to the Polynesian Spa Baths.

A stunning dinner out and that was the end of another day.   On Thursday we got up early enough to say goodbye before Bronwyn went to work then we made our way towards Taupo   via Te Puie.

This was a whole Maori culture experience plus a geyser.   We were welcomed by the warrior to the meeting house where we then entered and were entertained by singing (including the Haka)

We saw wood carvers at work and lovely examples of weaving.

The geyser was spewing hot water and steam into the air.   The Maori would weave a basket, put their food into it and lower it into the boiling water.   Very energy efficient cooking.

Our last stop before the holiday park in Taupo was the Huka falls.   The photo doesn’t do justice to the power of the water.

We have seen the amazing force and power of nature.   My God controls it all.   Praise His Name!