The Maori call this fern frond Koru, the symbol of new life unfolding.
Today was all about volcanic activity in and around Rotorua and the effect it has had. We left the hotel and headed to meet our local guide to hike through Waimangu volcanic valley. We spent the morning hiking down through the valley past many sulfur pools, steam vents and lakes. It was interesting to hear about the flowers and shrubs of the region but also about the type of water fowl that can hang out around these very acidic water sources. We could not swim or even paddle in this mucky looking lake. Apparently some days it is quite green; it depends on what kind of volcanic action is happening that day. Many places we could feel the heat in the rocks.
Bubbling mud ponds (not good for a nice mud bath as you would just keep sinking as in quick sand).
After our walk we had a boat ride across Lake Rotomahana then hiked up and over a bit of a hill that was full of ferns of all sizes. Have never seen a fern tree before.
And we learned about the silver fern, the New Zealand national symbol. This is the underside of the fern frond. New Zealanders are currently considering a new flag, and one option shows an image of the silver fern.
Another boat ride across an even bigger lake, Lake Tarawera, brought us to our lunch and coffee break before heading on to our next stop - The Buried village. Even 120 years ago tourists were exploring these areas. An eruption in 1886 dramatically changed the landscape and buried several Maori villages, killing 150 people.
The museum was very interesting and then we did a walk through the buried village. The highlight for me was the walk to the waterfalls.
Wendy and Judy.
We later had a walk in a redwood forest in the rain before heading back to the hotel. Loved it!
Kia Ora
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