Volcanic Activity And Maori Culture

Walking across the steaming volcanic landscapes of Wai-o-tapu Thermal Wonderland and Orakei Korako.


photo of Volcanic Activity And Maori Culture
Photo of the Devil's Bath at Wai-o-tapu Thermal
Wonderland near Rotorua.

The volcanic activity around Rotorua and Taupo is quite intense with steam rising in nearly all directions. Rotorua is nicknamed the Sulphur City which is reinforced by the sulphury smell in the air which is really only noticable when you first arrive (after that you get used to it). There are many thermal activities available in and around Rotorua some of which include a touch of Maori Culture. We chose to visit the Wai-o-tapu Thermal Wonderland which is dubbed as the most colourful and dramatic thermal park in the region, and it is. From large simmering pools and boiling mud heated by the volcanic activity below and given fierce sounding names such as Devil's bath, and Devil's Cave.

After completing the circuit at Wai-o-tapu, we set out for Orakei Korako in the Hidden Valley between Rotorua and Taupo. This really is a hidden gem, not so many tourists bother to visit so it is actually a nice thermal experience. You begin the journey with a short ferry ride over Lake Ohakuri and as you draw closer to the oposite side of the lake you can see the Emerald Terraces of Orakei Korako.

There are many terraces and levels in Orakei Korako where the activity looks and smells different - from boiling mud, and simmering pools and geysers.

Returning on the ferry from Orakei Korako we head for the town of Taupo and take a peek at the mighty Huka Falls which demonstrate the pure force of water. We later book in for a tour, hangi and concert at the Wairakei Terraces to experience a unique lifestyle of the Maori people in a natural Maori village setting. We begin the tour with a challenge from a warrior who lays down a leaf offering to our nominated chief - his acceptance of the offering indicates our peaceful intentions as opposed to any intentions of war. Once we are greeted by the warriors and maidens we commence the tour of the Wairakei Terraces passing by the various buildings typical of a Maori settlement while our guide explains what they are for. We also pass by the Thermal Terraces and geyser of which the resident Maori tribe is caretaker of.

By the end of the tour we are ready for the Maori style feast - Hangi. A hangi is a meal cooked in the ground using heated rocks. A meal takes around 3 hours to cook and it is delicious!! The meal is accompanied by a Maori performance and photo opportunities.

After a satisfying meal and insightful experience at the Wairakei Terraces, we head to Reid's Farm along Huka Falls Road to park up for the night.


These travel blog entries related to Volcanic Activity And Maori Culture may interest you too:






  Title:   Volcanic Activity And Maori Culture
Walking across the steaming volcanic landscapes of Wai-o-tapu Thermal Wonderland and Orakei Korako.
  Author:   Michelle Coats
  Date:   17.01.07 - img_0867 Volcanic Activity and Maori Culture

Newest travel blog entries:


Spectacular End To A Busy Day With A Sunset In Winnipeg picture  

Spectacular End To A Busy Day With A Sunset In Winnipeg
June 18, 2008: cont'd
Arriving back in Winnipeg and after checking out the Royal Canadian...

Spectacular End To A Busy Day With A Sunset In Winnipeg

     
Royal Canadian Mint Building Winnipeg Manitoba picture  

Royal Canadian Mint Building Winnipeg Manitoba
June 18, 2008:
This high-tech state of the art facility which occupies 14,864 square metres,...

Royal Canadian Mint Building Winnipeg Manitoba

     
Stepping Back To The Sixteenth Century At The Mennonite Heritage Village picture  

Stepping Back To The Sixteenth Century At The Mennonite Heritage Village
June 18, 2008: cont'd
With limited time available, we drove straight to the Mennonite...

Stepping Back To The Sixteenth Century At The Mennonite Heritage Village

     
French Heritage In St Boniface Winnipeg Manitoba picture  

French Heritage In St Boniface Winnipeg Manitoba
June 18, 2008: cont'd
We drove through to the financial district of the city first hoping to...

French Heritage In St Boniface Winnipeg Manitoba

     



Press "Ctrl+D" to bookmark this page.
Please use this Code to link to this page (copy/paste):

     
    Web travel-blog

  • AddThis Social Bookmark Button
  • feed travel locations