Rotorua – David Kotz

New Zealand – Te Pā Tū

A Māori cultural experience in Rotorua.

Not long after leaving the Waiotapu thermal pools we stopped at Te Pā Tū (in Rotorua), a Māori village (pā) for a cultural experience. As we approached the gated, log entrance to this forested compound, we were welcomed into the marae (sacred space) through a traditional pōwhiri welcome ceremony. Several young warriors emerged into the clearing, carrying wooden batons; after an agressive-looking display, each gently placed a fern on the ground and backed away. One member of our party then approached, picked up the fern, and then (without losing eye contact), retreated backward to our group.

Māori warriors challenge visitors at the welcoming ceremony at Te Pā Tū in Rotorua.

New Zealand – Waiotapu thermal park

Craters, mud pools, champagne pools, and sinter terraces.

After a full day at sea we docked on the eastern shore of the north island so we could visit the inland area known as Rotorua, which sits squarely on the Taupō volcanic zone and is thus rich with geothermal activity. We spent the morning exploring the many fascinating features of the Waiotapu thermal park – deep craters, bubbling pools of mud, and the colorful landscape made as mineral-rich waters evaporated or nurtured underwater fungal life.

Rotorua, New Zealand

Rotorua, a town of geysers, hot springs, and a pervasive odor of sulfur.

“Daddy, it stinks here!” The kids were none to happy when we pulled into Rotorua, a large town in the center of the North Island [location]. It is full of geothermal activity, with geysers, hot springs, and bubbling mud everywhere – and as a result, a persistent smell of sulfur (aka rotten eggs). Read on!