Taupo to Mt. Maunganui

We left Taupo a bit earlier than usual so as to get to Te Puia which is a Maori cultural center. Shortly after our departure, we saw plumes of steam rising from the ground often on both sides of the road as we drove through the geothermal river valley called Te Whakarewarewatangaoteopetauaawahiao.  (No, I didn't fall asleep at the keyboard).  The locals shorten the Maori name to Te Whakarewarewa which is what you will find on most maps.  This part of New Zealand was in part formed by volcanic activity.  It also has numerous hot springs, as well as, a few geysers, sulfur springs and boiling mud pools.  At Te Puia, we were able to learn more about the Maori, observe the geothermal activity and even see a kiwi as there are two on exhibit there.



https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M%C4%81ori_people

Maori Warrior - Advancing to Determine Our Intentions

Maori Man - Tattoos Tell About the Man

Pataka - Elevated Storehouse For Food

A Small Waka Taua (War Canoe) - Large War Canoes Carried Up to 100 Warriors

We arrived at our motel in Mt. Maunganui (Mauao) before 4 p.m.  We were able to do our laundry one last time before heading back to the States.  The town is located at the base of an extinct volcano, Mauao which rises 232 meters above sea level.  This mount is very important and considered sacred (tapu) by the Maori as it is incorporated into their mythology.  Once the laundry was dry, we walked the shoreline toward the base of Mauao most of which is surrounded by the sea.  It was a beautiful stroll of about 2 miles in length.  We returned to the motel for dinner and rested the remainder of the evening.  Once again, we had perfect weather and a remarkable day exploring New Zealand.