Rotorua on way home

On the way home from Tongariro National Park we stopped at Rotorua.  One of the tourist books says this,  "Rotorua, as the locals proudly boast, is the only  place in New Zealand where you can tell exactly where you are with your eyes shut."  They are referring to the distinctive aroma of sulphur that permeates the town----boiling mud pools and hot springs.

We took a guided tour by the Tahourangi Ngati Wahia people who live amongst the geothermal activity.  (Whakarewarewa living thermal village)  They are able to use the steam vents for cooking and the natural mineral waters for bathing.  We viewed the geysers and hot mud pools from their village.   The large geyser in the picture erupts about every hour.  It was a good tour and we learned a little more about Maori history and culture.

For our tramp, Will chose the Redwood Forest park.  The trees are over a 100 years old and it's impossible to show a full tree in a photo.  These two pics attempt to give you a feel for the size.