Much Maori

From Kauri Lodge to Rotorua is just over an hour drive. Weather cooperated and we were able to enjoy the geysirs and hot pools of Te Puia in lovely summer weather. No touching, those things are hot!! The sulfur smell was present, not at all as bad as feared. Fascinating sights, and much to learn about Maori culture. Very interestingly there is a woodcarver school and a weaving school at Te Puia, passing onwards knowledge of traditional handcrafts. Both the schools and the results are very impressive. Here we found the very best Gift Shop of the entirer trip so far - large, airy, well presented, things of all price categories. Our creditards would have smoked to battle the geysirs if not for suitcase weight and space limits. Day tickets so we could wander around as we liked, and catch an included guided tour as well. Great!

 

 

In the evening a bus fetched us to Tamaki village for more Maori Culture. and food. A good experience with learning a bit about Maori traditions but somewhat hurried overall - we got no time at all for the tiny Gift Shop, for instance :( The bus driver had us singing on the way home. Just a little - there wasn't much time for drinking either. Good food, cooked in the Hangi manner over a coal pit. 157 pictures from Te Puia and Tamaki. I'm left with the impression of Maori as a complex, rich culture, with tough and resilient people. Glad they are mostly friendly these days, wouldn't like to meet them on a rugby field.

Next day we drove across the mountains from Rotorua to Napier. Less than three hours, fine roads that only occasionally reminded us of Norwegian ones. Lovely views, different landscape from Norway. We didn't stop much due to a deadline for handing in the car, still a few times we just had to.

 

 

That's all for tonight! More pictures and comments to come, from Napier and Wellington.

Games: Very little.