Rotorua is often called a thermal wonderland because of its volcanic activity. The region comes with with bubbling mud pools, geothermal geysers, and steam vents—a place. After breakfast, we visited the Waimangu Volcanic Valley. This relatively young geothermal site was created by nearby Mount Tarawera’s last eruption in 1886. We took a leisurely hike, descending into the lush valley of green vegetation, pink silica terraces, and blue waters. We observed the Inferno Crater, filled with brilliant turquoise water, and Frying Pan Lake, the world’s largest hot spring.
Later we had a cruise of Lake Rotomahana, where our captain explained more about the history of Rotorua and showed us more geothermal sites that aren’t accessible by land.
Later we had a cruise of Lake Rotomahana, where our captain explained more about the history of Rotorua and showed us more geothermal sites that aren’t accessible by land.
 Ray, Gary, Mary, Linda and Erlene (9/13 departure) |  Geyser |
 Mel and Lyn |   Mud Pool |
That afternoon some returned to the hotel, others toured the town gardens and some of us enjoyed a New Zealand adventure - Zip Lining! We climbed, we zipped, we crossed hanging bridges (with and without hand rails)! We faced our fears and completed the circuit. It was quite an afternoon.
On one pass, the leader failed to catch Dave at the end of his run, so he reversed to the center of the cable where he hung until the "catcher" went out to bring him back. Click this link to watch the Rescue.
On one pass, the leader failed to catch Dave at the end of his run, so he reversed to the center of the cable where he hung until the "catcher" went out to bring him back. Click this link to watch the Rescue.
 Dave |  Getting ready for our next cable ride |
 Debbie takes the dare to "trust the cable" |  Happy adventurers Margaret, Ken, Dave, Debbie, Pat, Terri, Dave, John, Carol and Jerem (our guide in training) and our leaders |
That evening most of our group participated in the hangi, a Maori Cultural Experience. Rand and I took the evening off, but the others were greeted by a welcome ceremony (hongi) and the unveiling of a hangi, a traditional Maori feast that’s cooked underground.
Dave was a good sport and represented our group as the "visiting chief"
