Rotorua and a little Maori culture

From Tauranga we took a day trip to Rotorua, which is the most visited town on the North Island. The ground throughout Rotorua is dotted with boiling hot springs and bubbling mud. There’s a sulfur smell in the air. Geysers shoot up into the sky and send steam into the air.


Mineral rich water runs down the thin crust above the molten earth.


The Maori people use the steam to cook their food. This is called hangi cooking, or the Maori microwave.


We visited a Maori village called Whakarewarewa (‘wh’ is pronounced ‘f’) and watched their colorful songs and dances. They twirled balls…



and passed batons.


Our favorite was the famous haka


and the fierce expressions


just like their ancestors.


The ornate wood carvings are fascinating.


Both Beck and Quinne made friends with the ancient Maori ancestors.