Covered with geo-thermal heat vents, Rotorua began to reveal volcanic New Zealand. Driving through the center of town you see vents of steam everywhere, not at the street corner, but on the way to the store or scattered through the surrounding fields. Our adventure in exotic New Zealand began in the Waimangu Valley, where the Pink and White Terraces attracted royalty and the elite around the world, when it was a geothermal spa. The terraces allowed you to ascend to your level of comfort, as it cooled approaching the top.
The eruption of Mt. Tarawera in 1886 ended all this, as the terraces collapsed into a lake. The pink and white silicon was thought to be lost until divers recovered some intact pieces.
What we witnessed in the valley was a semi-tropical forest surrounding several crater lakes. Our guide, Dan, walked us into the pre-historic setting of the valley, pointing out botanical life as well as the various geysers and vents spouting water and steam. At the foot of the hill, he loaded us into a small school bus, which took us down to the lake.
On Lake Rotomahana
In Waimangu Valley
After lunch, we were transported to Hobbiton, the site of the filming of several movies, including “The Hobbit,” and “The Fellowship of the Ring.” It is literally built into a hillside of the Alexander farm, leased to the film company and now a joint venture with Director Peter Jackson to display the sets of the movies. The entrances are merely facades, with the actual interiors set up indoors in Wellington. We trudged up and down the gravel paths in the sometimes driving rain, but accompanied by hundreds of undaunted visitors who were bus-shuttled there from a visitors center.
Below you see Frodo’s apartment at left, another apartment we adopted for its shallow interior, and at right the site of Bilbo’s party and final speech before he goes on his vacation. The photo shows the imposing background tree, but there was plenty of flat green space for the festivities, famous for its inflamed birthday cake.
In the evening we attended the Mitai Maori cultural center, where we witnessed the warriors in the waka (canoe, holding 6-12 men); a welcoming performance, including dancing, singing and acting; and finally a banquet, served buffet-style with hundreds of guests. I’ve seen similar cultural festivities in Hawaii and this compared favorably. We were welcome with warmth and enthusiasm and pride in the culture this center preserved. A long, but very satisfying day.
