Te Puia

Today’s our visit to Rotarua - one of the real honeypots of New Zealand tourism. We’re pleased to visit this as part of the cruise programme as inevitably it will be busy even if we visit independently. 

We leave behind the coastal resort of Tauranga - certainly not basking in summer sunshine today as it’s cloudy although warm. Arriving eventually in the Māori run complex of Te Puia, we’re impressed by the organisation and despite a largish group, feel our Māori  guide gives us an informative and personal take on the cultural significance of the place. Here schools of woodcarving, stone carving and weaving have been established, largely funded by the entrance fees to Te Puia. The skills and craftsmanship we witness is undeniable, all using traditional methods. 

Cultural performances are often questionable, and can be tacky and commercial, but we are invited into the meeting house using tradition hospitality, and witness an entertaining and informative performance of song and dance which seems to be largely a family affair - and inevitably includes an impressive Haka! 

Of course, the main draw here is the geothermal area, evident from the steaming fissures all around and the smell of sulphur hanging in the air - though to be honest, the sulphur is certainly fainter than in many of the geothermal areas we have visited elsewhere. 

There’s always something both exciting and disconcerting about bubbling mud, steaming rocks and spurting water, and so it is here in Rotarua. We’re told the geysers have decreased in both number and force since thermal power has been harvested for domestic use, but we still watch in fascinated awe as Pohutu spews put its scalding water high into the air. Photographically, conditions aren’t ideal as the grey sky bleaches the colour from the landscape and leaves little contrast between cloud and steam - hence my main focuses more on the rock formations and deposits instead, with a wider view in extras. 

Inevitably, there’s the most amazing buffet to sustain us until our next meal on board, before we head back to the coast, entertained by tales of the unpredictability of thermal forces which suddenly cause sink holes or steam vents in gardens, streets or houses - reminding us of the perils of living in such areas. 

Back on the ship, it’s our last night; time for packing and farewells. It’s been a fabulous two weeks - but time to move on to the next stage of our adventure!