Day 9

Rotorua is a very interesting place. There is more than steam, there is history, tradition and people. The motel we stayed in last night was very average but trying to find a place at 7:30 in the evening is never easy. Still it was clean and the beds were OK. Pamela has developed a back problem so today we found a physio to help out. After securing a booking we started to look at the steam vents around town and the mud puddles. All very hot and the familiar smell of sulfur. In the town their are vents but only small ones.

From the town centre we went to a Maori village on the fault line that runs through town. Here we experienced Maori culture, learned a little more about their history and viewed the geysers. The ones active in the area are here and now only blow at a reduced rate but all the time. An interesting fact, the fault line running through NZ is the same fault line that runs through Mt Etna, so any activity there is felt here.

 
 The singing and dancing was very enjoyable and also very spiritual. All movements and words have a history or are linked to stories from old.
From here we went to the Blue and Green lakes. This part of NZ is surpassing the other areas we have seen for a different kind of beauty. The wooded hills, the thick forest, the many lakes all make up for a tremendous experience.

This picture shows the last volcano to erupt in NZ. About 100 lives were lost and a village that was covered in ash has been preserved as a tourist attraction.
We now turn our attention to the road south. We head for Taupo. Lake Taupo is the largest lake in NZ and possibly Australia. We viewed it from a look out on the outskirts of town and it is majestic.

We drove into town and started to look for accommodation. A little more difficult than thought but we find a hotelier who is willing to search for a place for us. We lock in a Motel further down the road and head to our over night stay. It's close to the lake and we have a short walk before settling in. Soup and wine for dinner, another fine NZ wine. So far every wine has been very drinkable. Not sure if the travelling helps the pallet!
Tomorrow of to Waitomo Caves area and prepare for black water rafting.