The day that we had in Tongariro National Park, was unfortunately pretty cloudy as Cyclone Pam skirted the North Island. I was hoping to take Keith and Emma on a climb to the rim of one of the three volcanoes in this park, as I did many years ago. While we did do a short climb up one of the three volcanoes here, the tops were all shrouded in cloud. We did stop on the way down though, to check out this cool waterfall and to climb on the rocks.
Imagine finding a beautiful, naturally flowing stream, complete with a small waterfall in the middle of a cool green forest. Now imagine that it's steaming and bubbling like a hot tub. Welcome to Kerosene Creek, New Zealand. Our adventure began as we left Lake Taupo. We decided that we would spend our sightseeing money on a Maori cultural show rather than a Geothermal Park. As such, we asked at the information centre where we might go for a free or inexpensive hike in a natural setting to see some of the geothermal geysers, mud pools and hot pools of the North Island on our way to Rotorua. We were disheartened by the response, "There's nothing free around here." All of the options we were being given seemed expensive for a walk in nature. Certain that all of the geothermal natural areas couldn't be privatized, we turned to the power of the Internet. After deciphering the directions, and driving down a rather rough logging road for several kilometres we found this relaxing and soothing natural oasis. What a find!
The real Maori Haka performers.
The guy in the back is Daddy. Doesn't he look funny? He is dancing the haka (very poorly I might add). A Maori dancer took them up to the stage and taught them how to do the haka. I would not like to do that, I do not like going on the stage. - Emma
As well as the Maori cultural show, Te Puia in Rotorua features some pretty spectacular geothermal sights. Magma from the earth's core comes within 7 km of the ground in this unique and fascinating city. The air smells like sulfur which comes from the bubbling mud pools that are everywhere. The photo above shows the fumerols which constantly release steam. Below are geysers releasing pent up hot water, steam and minerals high into the air. This place is Te Whakarewarewatangaoteopetauaawahio, or 'the gathering place for the war parties of Wahio'. The Maori used different natural waters to bathe, drink, and cook in. Hundreds of years ago, having hot and cold running water was a precious commodity, so Rotorua was an ideal place to live for the Maori people.
One last swim in the warm waves of the South Pacific, near Tauranga on the Bay of Plenty. We all managed to catch our final few body surfing waves, and this beach was amazing for collecting shells which Emma was very good at. Paring them down to a manageable number that we could bring home was another story. This is also the main Kiwi growing region of New Zealand, as we found out when we drove by this...
The final three days of our trip were spent in Auckland, New Zealand's largest city. Our timing was excellent as we managed to hit their annual Arts Festival including a clown workshop and an excellent play for the whole family on the day of our flight back to Vancouver. This is Aotea Square which had free live music every day.
Emma loved these giant trees in Auckland's Albert Park, perfect for climbing!
Much like Vancouver, Auckland has a North Shore across the harbour. We took the ferry across and climbed this hill in Devonport, with amazing views of the city.
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We are now safely back home in Vancouver. We hope that you have enjoyed this blog as much as we have enjoyed creating it. Thank you to the wonderful friends we visited who sheltered, fed, and entertained us. Re-connecting with friends far away was a driving factor behind this trip, and was both joyous and cherished. To our faithful readers (and you are many), thanks for your feedback, support, and love.
All the best Keith, Steve, and Emma.
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