Corregated metal is a popular artistic medium for the small
Some signs on the road.
The Kiwi bird is protected, but some may not share that view
Some of the advice you see on the road
Rotorua
The Rotorua museum
And the local Croquet club.
Rotorua bubbles or boils up everywhere you turn.
In the parks, along the lakeshore, in backyards.
The Maori tradition, and still used by Rotorua residents today, is 'hanji': an energy saving cooking method of steaming your food in a hot pit.
The Maori
The Maori culture is very strong and well integrated, even though they still do the tourist thing.
The dancing is meant to scare the opposing warriors so little actual fighting has to take place.
Dave got a lesson (it's a man thing) in scary faces, while Nancy learned to spin "poi".
Most of the place names are Maori and they can sound the same to our untrained ears: Waihaha, Waipapa, Waihou, Waima and Waimate. The Maori language has 14 letters, but W, K and M are the most popular. Plus 'wh' which is pronounced like an 'f' and the vowels are soft.
Carving is an important Maori artform. They have a center which passes this skill to a select few members of the younger generation, who take this knowledge back to their homes.
Sheep!
We visited the 'Agrodome' where we learned all there is to know (and then some) about sheep.
There are 19 main varieties of sheep here. Some raised for wool and some for lamb chops. The king of the pile is the Merino
One lucky sheep got a trim. They are incredibly docile.
Lastly, the dog showed his stuff, herding ducks!
He does do sheep too
Lake Taupo and Turangi
Huka Falls, a must see scenic spot. A large river is forced thru a narrow slot in the hard rock.
Trout fishing is huge here
Turangi is home to the Tongariro National Park which contains 3 dormant (we hope) volcanoes. Including Mt Ruapehu better known as Mount Doom from Lord of the Rings.
A famous trek is to hike between 2 of the peaks and takes 8 hours on a good day, but today was not. Forecast: 100km winds, sleet and snow. Full winter hiking gear is recommended. We settled for a smaller walk to yet another waterfall from Whakapapa (which sounds rude, see Maori pronunciation above).
Wellington
Our last stop on the north island is the capital, Wellington. The downtown is squeezed between the mountains and the sea. An old funicular takes you up the hills to the Botanic Gardens overlooking the city.
On the way down you pass playgrounds
cricket fields
and an old cemetery
The downtown core is full of interesting restaurants and this giant floating ball.
Next, the ferry to the south island.
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