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The bus arrived at 7am and we were off to Te Puia, that is a thermal wonderland. Rotorua is world famous for its geothermal hotspots through the town, where there are spouting geysers, acid smelling mud pools bubbling and belching, and the scent of sulpher. It is really quite amazing to see, steam coming out of hotspots is people's back yards, as well as the some sewers, and of course large pools where one can enjoy a hot spring soak!! At Te Puia we were shown around by another lovely Maori woman who had been brought up in this area. She explained her lifestyle as well as her ancestors as they cooked, played and lived in this strange environment. We visited an art centre where the ancinet crafts of wood carving and weaving are being taught to the younger generations. At the Rainbow Springs Nature Park, we learned about the almost extinct Kiwi Bird (that doesn't fly!!) and observed two in their natural habitat. We also saw other native species of lizards and birds, as well as trees, flor and flauna native to NZ .
We stopped in at the Agrodome, where we saw an entertaining sheep display and sheep dog trials. At one time the trainer had 15 sheep on the stage, all sitting on their perches while the dogs did their thing!!!
In the afternoon two American gals that I had met and I travelled to the site of the The Lord of the Rings movies, Hobbiton. I had not been a fan of this trilogy but decided to see what all the hpe was about, and it turned out to be one of the most enjoyable afternoon. How Peter Jackson found this 1000 acre sheep station, and then built the most incredible village, is quite beyound me. The hilly terrain, complete with trees and river was just perfect for this miniature site. Even though it was rainiing, it was beautiful and added to the atmosphere. And of course we warmed up in the pub with a hot rum toddy in front of the fireplace!!! I didn't realize the extent of the tourism industry because of these movies, over 150 sites used throughout NZ.
Peter Jackson has now moved to NZ and is giving back to the community in a big way--such as starting a film school in a high school amongst other things. The farm where Hobbiton is located is stilll owned by the family, and one brother runs the sheep and cattle station, and the other the tourism activities. I am so glad I went and experienced this and will definately watch the movies now!!!!
i passed on the hot sulphur pool experience as it was 7pm when we returned, still raining and I was tired and hungry!!!
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