Our first stop on Friday is Te Puia, a 70 hectare park within the Te Whakarewarewa Geothermal Valley less than 15 minutes from our townhome. It contains the Pōhutu geyser, mud pools, hot springs and silica formations. They also have a Kiwi bird house and the national schools of wood carving, weaving, stone and bone carving. Our admission pass includes a one hour guided tour as well as the opportunity to explore the park at our leisure.
We start our tour with the wood carvers. Individuals of Māori descent compete for the opportunity to study ancient wood carving in a three year program. During the three years they receive free tuition and a stipend to pay for their living expenses. We observe some of the carvings which are in progress and one of the students gives an overview then answers questions. It's quite interesting.
Across the plaza is the weaving center. Students here pay for their classes. Turapa (woven panels) are on display as well as other woven items. Close by some Māori are performing historical dances.
Our guide sees that Pōhutu is erupting in the distance. As it normally erupts for 30 minutes then is inactive for 60 minutes he suggests we make our way to observe the guysers in action. On a calm day Pōhutu (which means 'constant splashing') can spout 30 meters (100 feet). Next to it is Te Tohu also named ‘Prince of Wales Feathers’ geyser, in honour of a British royal visit in 1901.
Our guide sees that Pōhutu is erupting in the distance. As it normally erupts for 30 minutes then is inactive for 60 minutes he suggests we make our way to observe the guysers in action. On a calm day Pōhutu (which means 'constant splashing') can spout 30 meters (100 feet). Next to it is Te Tohu also named ‘Prince of Wales Feathers’ geyser, in honour of a British royal visit in 1901.
Following the geysers we visit the mud pools and then the kiwi house. As kiwi are nocturnal animals no photo's of any kind are allowed. We can barely see the one active kiwi in the extremely dark building.
10 kilometers away from Te Puia is Lake Okere with it's 5 kilometer boardwalk and walking path along the marshland and lake. We are delighted to see black swans, mallard ducks, poaka and putangitani birds. The conservation land abuts a farm, so we also get up close with some sheep. We walk along enjoying the scenery then resume driving the road that loops through a number of smaller lakes in the region. Blue Lake lives up to it's name and we stop for a few minutes to watch the people swimming and playing on the beach.
All in all, a very nice day exploring New Zealand.
All in all, a very nice day exploring New Zealand.
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