Maoridom

As well as being a thermal hotspot Rotorua is in the Heart of Maoridom.

Today we wanted to get a feel for the Maori culture but it is difficult here with so many 'Maori experiences' available so we headed first for Ohinemutu a genuine Maori Marae, in use and therefore not open to,the public, with a memorial to Maori war dead and a small craft centre. It is also next to St Faith's church which is beautifully decorated with Maori designs and flax weaving. Very quiet and well worth the visit.

We then went to Whakarewarewa in the thermal valley. It is a living Maori village where the locals act as guides. They explained what it is like to live amongst thermal springs. One advantage is using them for cooking - the Maori microwave - the heat of the steam and the pressure cooks the food very quickly. They also use them for communal baths! The downside is they change regularly and you can end up with one in your living room!
We could also see the Pohuto geyser from here, it regularly spouts 20 metres. It is on someone else's land but costs less viewed from here - result!

Spent the afternoon walking around the older part of town, the museum is in the Old Bath House as people used to come here for the 'cure'. It is in the Government gardens and this fence is part of the entrance at the ' Prince's Gate'. The original is in the museum but I love these Maoiri designs. The curves mainly represent the Koru or fern.

Another good day, we even sat and dangled our feet in a hot pool designed for the purpose in one of the parks, most refreshing and you could stay dressed!