Another day, another surprise...
Although a short trip if travelling direct, we hear that the Orakei Korako Hidden Valley thermal walks are worth visiting, so off we go in the morning. Located on the banks of Lake Ohakuri, the valley is approached by a short foot ferry and is, in Lonely Planet's words "arguably the best thermal area left in New Zealand". We couldn't disagree.
We spend too much time here really, because when we near Rotura, we haven't enough time left to do the sights justice. That'll be tomorrow's challenge then.
Tonight, though, we meet up with friends who have finished the earlier tour and are lingering in NZ. A great Thai meal in Rotura.. and a great time had by all.
Another plus of visiting the village is that the view of the highest geyser in NZ, Te Puia, is arguably as good as the one from the neighbouring thermal park and it's less dosh, too.
Village traditional meeting house
Tourists (that'll be us then) watching traditional cooking from thermal steam
Te Puia, not performing..
We head off to spend a couple of hours relaxing on the beach in the Bay of Plenty. Worth the one and a half hours drive to see this pleasant retirement area.. and the beach is wonderful.
The evening is a highlight, spent at the Tamaki Mouri Village with the rest of the group. Learning, entertainment, fun, meal - great evening. We even had our own Chief to lead us.(Thanks Pete).
Here's the popular Maori love song Pokearekare Ana
Not sure about the coach driver, who rattled on in a range of languages and sang songs, largely to himself, on the way back. He went around a traffic island eight times, honking the horn while singing 'the wheels on the bus go round and round'. Madness, loved by some... He certainly made the most of his captive audience. Would have been locked up in the UK, I think.
Orewa tomorrow.
getting there
Although a short trip if travelling direct, we hear that the Orakei Korako Hidden Valley thermal walks are worth visiting, so off we go in the morning. Located on the banks of Lake Ohakuri, the valley is approached by a short foot ferry and is, in Lonely Planet's words "arguably the best thermal area left in New Zealand". We couldn't disagree.
We spend too much time here really, because when we near Rotura, we haven't enough time left to do the sights justice. That'll be tomorrow's challenge then.
Tonight, though, we meet up with friends who have finished the earlier tour and are lingering in NZ. A great Thai meal in Rotura.. and a great time had by all.
day two
Two nights at the site, so time to visit the Mauri thermal village of Whakarewarewa - unique because the locals live here as they have for centuries, using the numerous thermal springs to cook and bathe amongst other things. NOT to be missed and very informative indeed.Another plus of visiting the village is that the view of the highest geyser in NZ, Te Puia, is arguably as good as the one from the neighbouring thermal park and it's less dosh, too.
Village traditional meeting house
Tourists (that'll be us then) watching traditional cooking from thermal steam
Te Puia, not performing..
We head off to spend a couple of hours relaxing on the beach in the Bay of Plenty. Worth the one and a half hours drive to see this pleasant retirement area.. and the beach is wonderful.
The evening is a highlight, spent at the Tamaki Mouri Village with the rest of the group. Learning, entertainment, fun, meal - great evening. We even had our own Chief to lead us.(Thanks Pete).
Here's the popular Maori love song Pokearekare Ana
Not sure about the coach driver, who rattled on in a range of languages and sang songs, largely to himself, on the way back. He went around a traffic island eight times, honking the horn while singing 'the wheels on the bus go round and round'. Madness, loved by some... He certainly made the most of his captive audience. Would have been locked up in the UK, I think.
Orewa tomorrow.
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