Rotorua to Queenstown

Al with new back pack...thanks Matt and Amy...it works great!

First few of the South Island.


Mtns north of Christ Church


Farms near Christ Church. A lovely day to fly.





Quick change of planes in Christ Church and we arrived in Queenstown.

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Bubbling Hot Spring

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Waimangu Volcanic Valley

After leaving Manuparu we spent the afternoon here. This geothermal system was created by the eruption of Mt Tarawera in 1886.
Frying Pan Lake is a huge lake where temps reach 140+F






Huge algae deposit which is green and turns golden in the sun.


Many, many fumaroles as we tramped (aka hiked) down the side of the caldera toward the Lake Rotomahana.


Our guide is telling Al about the very hot water temps coming from springs.



We boarded this sturdy boat in very heavy winds for a 1 1/2 hour cruise around the lake and learning more about the 1886 eruption.


Cruising and visiting numerous hot springs along the shore.


We watched this geyser erupt over a few minutes.









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Lunch with Alamsain Bird

As part of our visit to Mirupara we were hosted for lunch by Alamsin Bird in her home.









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Visit to Murupara

Murupara once was a thriving lumber town, until the forests became privatized. Now it suffers from 80% unemployment. This community now receives some support from the Grand Circle Foundation. GCT is the parent company of OAT, our tour company.
We were warmly greeted by a local official after the traditional Maori greeting. We were then served biscuits and tea in the local tribal community hall.


Next we entered the ware where we received further welcome from Elly Mae and her partner.


This is a sacred space and where funerals are held as well as important celebrations. The walls and ceilings are painting of significant meeting.


We were taught a fun game with sticks and here Judy and Dave are showing us their new skill!


A young 11 year old demonstrated a challenging game reminiscent of hop scotch.



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A visit to Doris and Ray's Dairy Farm

On the way to Rotorua we stopped to have lunch at a small organic dairy farm.


They have a lovely garden and small pool. Wish I had taken pictures of the flowers.


Before touring the farm Ray tells us about the operation of the farm which he now operates with his son.


Milking station for 140 cows.


Hard to see but this tree had the most delicious plums which we had for lunch.


Doris tells us about her gardens and life on the farm. She is very involved on all aspects of it's operation.


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Auckland to Rotorua

We left early and had a delightful drive making many stops along the way.































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