Bubbling Mud in Rotorua

  Rotorua, New Zealand
Friday, April 13, 2007

Rotorua is the biggest tourist destination on the north island and the place does run like a well oiled machine. Our campervan park was old but very well cared for. One bonus was the free use of hot pools. This isn't a big expense for them as the whole city has hot springs underground. All they do is tap it, bring the water up to the surface then dilute it with some cooler water before it hits the pool. We made good use of the pool while we were there.

The main attractions of Rotorua are the thermal activity and the numerous Maori cultural shows. We enjoyed theWai-o-tapu Thermal Wonderland with amazing mineral deposits, geysers, steaming caves and pools plus bubbling mud. It was really fascinating. You can read about why all this goes on here.

Dad's highlight of the visit was meeting a Seahawk fan, and a Kiwi (New Zealander) fan at that! Dad has been wearing his Seahawk hat this whole trip hoping and praying that someone would approach him and declare their love of the Seahawks. 

Champagne Lake

 When the guy saw his hat at the geyser he started asking Dad about the team and how he was a fan. It turns out the guy has been a fan since the days of "The Boz"! We were impressed. They don't even play most American football games on TV here. After chatting about the sport for a good while we exchanged addresses and agreed to send him a shirt. We have a much better selection in Seattle.

That night we decided to go to a Maori show that night at the Mitai family property. It was great. Not only did we meet some nice Brits and Aussies at our table, the family really puts on a fabulous show.  The show also included a dinner, slow cooked in a steam oven, heated by the steam of the underground springs. Very handy.

Maori developed a real distinctive singing and dance style compared to the rest of the Polynesians. They had some songs with a Polynesian sound but they are most famous for their war chants, designed to intimidate their enemies around the island. Though they all get along now, the different tribes used to fight just like anyplace else. The chants were thrilling and very intimidating. I imagine the first Europeans to show up would be quite intimidated too.

The most famous of the Maori war chants these days is the Ka Mate haka. This chant is the official chant of the revered national rugby team the All Blacks (which includes a few Maori players). The chant is not only done by the fans but also by the players to intimidate the opposition. It is a good example of the New Zealander's respectful adoption of the Maori culture into their sporting events (Attention: Cleveland Indians). The English translation and explanation of the chant is here. A cool Adidas commercial showing the chant is here. A Maori group doing the chant is here.

The next day I almost had mom convinced to try the Swoop, a thrill ride just outside of town. They slip you in these sleeping bag things that are attached together then pull you very, very high in the air. You pull a rip cord then pendulum down and arch at very high speeds. You Tube Video Here. Fortunately or unfortunately there was a couple that did it while we were deciding. Mom took one look at it and said "no way" so that was that. I had some doubts as well. Julius and Dad just stayed in the car, not even wanting to watch. So, off we went to Auckland to catch the rugby game.