Rotorua and the Waimangu Volcanic Valley

Rotorua is the center for Maori culture. It is believed the Maori People settled on the North Island about 1000 years ago and they have firmly held to their identity and traditions here. Nearly a quarter of a million indigenous Maori still maintain their unique lifestyle and culture.

Saturday evening we attended a dinner show much like the one we had seen in Hawaii at the Polynesian Cultural Center. This one, however, concentrated exclusively on the Maori traditions, including a "hangi", a traditional feast that's cooked underground.

             

                                          

 Rotorua is often called a thermal wonderland because of its volcanic activity.  Mt. Tarawera erupted in 1886, resulting in the region's bubbling mud pools,  geothermal geysers and steam vents.  After a hike in the lush green valley, we took a cruise on Lake Rotomahana where we learned more about the history of the geothermal sites.