Maori discovery in Rotorua and Lake Taupo

Leaving the northern shores of Auckland behind, I arrived in "smelly" Rotorua as it is affectionately called. Smelly? Yes, rotten eggs smelly. Blame sulfur! It lies right bam in the middle of a geothermal area and this results in smelly fumes coming out of nearly everywhere! Although it provides a eery landscape it can be quite overwhelming especially when you are not used to it.

Another reason for its appeal as one of the main tourist attractions in the Bay of Plenty is its deep rooted Maori heritage. I attended a cultural show that was run by a company called Tamaki. They state that their aim is to educate and share their culture. They did a great job at getting us immersed in the culture for the evening. We boarded our Waka (our bus but for the night but it would serve as our pretend Maori boat), elected a chief , sang Maori songs, courageously overcame the Te Wero (challenge) and entered the village in peace. From there we entered the Wharenui (meeting house) where a group sang, danced and performed the famous Haka. We were then treated to a succulent Hangi (where the food is cooked in baskets underground). The entire evening was very educational and entertaining. A great event which I would recommend.

The next day, with a very full belly I visited the Waitopu Thermal Park. The different sites were absolutely breathtaking, with vibrant colours mixing with fumes and water. While in the park I met a french couple who were visiting from New Caledonia. I have met a number of french people who live in the french TOM and visit New Zealand or Australia. They told me about their lives on the island, their relationships with the locals (les Kanaks) ... and my overall conclusion is that it might look like a paradise but I get the impression that by digging a little deeper is might not be soo ' paradisiaque'. Expensive imported products, poor communication with the locals and even perhaps a slight colonialist atmosphere make the french TOM (Territoires d' Outre Mer) a little less appealing than they might have been before.



Next I moved Southward to Lake Taupo. En route I saw the Mt Doom from the Lord of the Rings film (not sure what the real name is). As I moved south the weather was getting bitterly cold. Taupo supposedly offers the best (and cheapest) skydiving experience in NZ. By then I was a bit tired of spending money on such exhilarating activities so decided to take the free (and safer) option of walking from Lake Taupo to Huka falls. I wonder if I will get tired of seeing so many beautiful sights. NZ is definitely full of them!

I also saw the latest Indian Jones film. Harrison Ford was as entertaining as ever but I wonder if I would have enjoyed it more if I was 10 years old again. Aaah...yes I have also discovered TIM TAM chocolate biscuits and Vegimite. Probably the best edible products to come out of these shores (without risking to offend the Ozzies...I will include Oz in this statement!).

Activity Packed ... yes it's Auckland

You have to wonder when the first sight you see on the bus from the airport (at 5 am) are people exercising (jogging) in cold dark weather. Yep .. .that 's Auckland. A large modern city which hides its beauty in the surrounding volcanoes and the vast amount of sea that surrounds it. I (supposedly) was lucky in that the weather was gorgeous, slightly cold (for me) but beautifully sunny and crisp fresh air.

Taking example from these very sporty people I had seen that morning, I decided to go to the pool for a bit of a splash (yep after a 12 hr flight) ... and of course the fact that I couldn't check in until 12 nudged me in that direction. I then visited the Victoria Market (bof), bought some gloves (necessary) and went for a wander around town.

Luckily, my mum who had lived in Auckland some 40 years ago still had a few friends around. On day two I was taken round the sights, Takapuna beach, Mt something or the other... all vv beautiful. I indulged in a good lunch, coffee, dinner ... and eventually made it back to my mum's friends house for a good night sleep in a proper (ie. non hostel) bed. Luxury.

Day three was Activity Day... and involved walking up Rangitoto (a volcano). The day was amazing, the walk relatively easy (ie. less than 1 hour each way) except for the last bit where I had to count my steps in order to make it to the top. I am definitely a weekend walker. The views were worth it though.

I thoroughly enjoyed my stay in Auckland. Swam in the local pool, walked around town, had some sushi and actually found crossing the road fun (they have a beep ... swissh...noise that makes you want to race across the street!).

Next stop Rotorura via Hamilton