Rotorua |
Fittingly, the second lake on our two-lake tour of the interior of the North Island, is Rotorua -- which means "second lake" in Maori. This refers to the fact that it's the next largest lake on the North Island after Lake Taupo. The first thing you notice as you approach Rotorua is the underlying aroma of sulfur; the area is the most geothermally active area in New Zealand, and as you drive along you'll see (and smell!) numerous fumeroles in the countryside. The town of 60,000 is known for its hot springs and spas, and there are a lot of geothermal parks in the surrounding area. Rotorua is also the nexus for several Maori villages that offer cultural tours providing insights into the Maori culture.
The opening ceremony and greeting of our tour group at the Tamaki Maori Village. The chief and his warriors demonstrate to visitors that they are fearsome if threatened but generous and welcoming if treated with respect.
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