We woke up to a bright, sunny day and left Hahei to go to Rotorua. I could have just left my camera clicking the whole way. The scenery is breathtaking. It's hard to take it all in. It's like what I imagine being in heaven would be like. Good thing I'm experiencing it while I'm still alive!!! I'm sure there are other places in the world where I would feel this way but I may never see them the way Auto is driving these steep windy roads! Yikes! But I am getting the core workout of a lifetime!

Unfortunately, Auto tells us that we are going to drive into yucky weather. We're all hoping he's wrong. Speaking of Auto he reminds me of my friend Wayne Cox. He's got that fun loving attitude and he laughs exactly the same. And he cares about how everyone is doing. Even his body language reminds me of Wayne. So, if you're following me Wayne I feel like you're here with me. :)

Speaking of people on the trip: I also feel like Lindsay is here. One of the Irish girls, Elaine, reminds us a lot of her. Haere Mai Lindz!

We stopped for a break in a place where Peter Jackson knocked on a farmers door and asked ifs could use his land for a film. It was for the hobbit village in Lord of the Rings he wanted to shoot there. The town has been renamed Hobbition. All we really saw was the tourist info building redone. We didn't actually see the movie set unfortunately bit it was pretty cool. 

Captain Cook christened the Bay of Plenty in 1769. Rotorua is a city on Lake Rotorua inland from the Bay of Plenty and is NZ's most famous tourist destination. We smelled it before we saw it. Clouds of sulphurous gas are responsible for the eggy smell and the alias of Sulpher City. We stopped at a Polynesian spa, similar to the Budapest Turkish baths, but Vic and I and Beth (U.S.) decided to go for a walk through the Rotorua sulphuric landfill. It was kinda like walking on the dark side of the moon - eerie and unsettling. Once all the bathers came out all rested and dreamy we went to the Tamaki Maori Village, brainchild of Doug & Mike Tamaki who created this pre-European Maori village. Local guides introduced us to Maori culture, myths and legends, action songs, poi dancing, stick games and the Maori War Dance. Tony was our chief and the women had to follow him into the village backed up by the men who could defend us against any enemy attacks. The Moari think that if a man dies a person dies, but if a woman dies a culture dies. Smart people!! Tony, our chief, was welcomed with a hongi where he and the Maori host pressed their foreheads and nose firmly together twice, shook hands and said kia ora. We had to perform our song for the hosts and we actually did pretty good - way better than in practice. We were taken to our accommodations to get settled and then had to go and receive the traditional Powhiri welcome ceremony followed by a captivating stage performance explaining Maori history and culture. And we were able to participate in some Maori games and war customs before dinner. We feasted on a traditional Hangi (earth oven) meal, similar to the Hawaiian Luau, with lamb, chicken, potatoes, carrots and a bread dressing cooked in the ground and various salads and desserts. After dinner we had to perform another song complete with actions. Again, we rocked. Then we enjoyed some time around a campfire asking our hosts about their customs. We stayed in a Maori wharepuni (sleeping house) with the entire group. - the gals in one hut and the guys in another. Not quite what I envisioned on a vacation but you only live once! I can think of a whole bunch of other places and people I'd rather be sleeping with! ;). I tried to start a pillow fight but none of the girls would have anything to do with it. Like I said - very serious bunch. The Irish may have if I insisted but I don't want to push my luck just yet.

Marae complexes include a wharenui (meeting house), which often embodies an ancestor. It's ridge is the backbone, the rafters are ribs, and it shelters the descendants. There is a clear space in front of the wharenui (the marae area). There were other buildings: a wharekai (dining hall), a toilet and shower block, some classrooms, play equipment etc.


A thoroughly fulfilling experience if a bit uncomfortable. These people are one with the earth and sun and truly embody their spiritual awareness.

Maori proverb - "Waiho ma te tangata e mihi" - "Let someone else acknowledge your virtues."