Waimangu Volcanic Valley & Mitai Maori Village
August 14th 2023
Today we drove to the Waimangu Valley to take a 45 minute boat tour. There is a bus that takes you to the dock where you board the boat on Lake Rotomahana. The cruise showcases geothermal activity visible only from the water and provides commentary on the 1886 Mount Tarawera eruption that formed the lake.
Lake Rotomahana Boat Cruise
After the boat tour, Grace and I hiked the trail to take us back to the entrance. Sandy took the bus back.
Driving back from Waimangu Valley, we found a place to soak our feet inthe natrural hot springs, called Secret Spot. They had tubs of hot spring water that you can sit at and soak your feet. They call it shinny dipping! They had a small bar where you could order a beer and a few bar snacks. It was the perfect stop after hiking! They also had private hot tubs that you could rent and sit in if you have a swim suit on.
Secret Spot Hot Tubs.
Later that evening we went to the Mitai Maori Village for an authentic Māori cultural experience. When we arrived, we experienced the traditional powhiri (welcoming ceremony). Then Māori warriors in traditional attire paddling an ancient waka (war canoe) down the Wai-o-whiro stream.
Warriors in Waka (war Canoe)
The cultural experience included the traditional hangi (earth-cooked meal). They demonstrated the cooking process and showed it being lifted from the ground. The meal is a buffet-style feast featuring succulent New Zealand meats and poultry, alongside vegetables and salads. The hangi food includes items like chicken, lamb, kumara (sweet potato), and other vegetables.
After dinner we were given a performance of Māori song and dance, including the powerful haka war dance.
Māori song and dance.
After dinner they gave us an evening walk to see the sacred Te Puna Tapu o Tuhoe spring and glow worms.
Te Puna Tapu o Tuhoe spring
