We decided to stay in Rotorua to view the sites. Every imaginable tourist attraction is available if you're willing to pay a pretty penny. Interested in watching a geyser...sure, that'll be $26.00. After a while you forget that you're allowed to look at nature for free. Paul and I took a break from being a tourist and hopped on our bikes, gear-free, to check out the area.
In the early 1886's the Tarawera Mountain (near Rotorua) was inhabited by Maori until people from a far heard of the healing pools (a.k.a. Pink and White Terraces). People would flock to the area in search of these miracle waters. The natives caught on and began charging for services - ie: guides, food, canoe trips, etc. A local chief was concerned about this change and predicted the area would become "overwhelmed". Maori had heard this prediction and soon signs were showing up everywhere. One sign appeared in the form of a spirit boat heading across Lake Tarawera. This was witnessed by many and soon everyone became frightened. On the night of June 10th, 1886 Tarawera Mountain covered everything by ash, lava, and anything else that a volcano can erupt. 139 people perished in this eruption and now it is called the "Buried Village". For $26.00 you too can see the buried village! Although today we'll give you a bargain price of $0.00...and here it is!
We also decided to do some tramping in a nearby reserve. Check out the fern tree pictures below. "Ode to the Fern Tree" will be coming your way soon...as soon as I figure out how to do slide shows on Blogger.
In the early 1886's the Tarawera Mountain (near Rotorua) was inhabited by Maori until people from a far heard of the healing pools (a.k.a. Pink and White Terraces). People would flock to the area in search of these miracle waters. The natives caught on and began charging for services - ie: guides, food, canoe trips, etc. A local chief was concerned about this change and predicted the area would become "overwhelmed". Maori had heard this prediction and soon signs were showing up everywhere. One sign appeared in the form of a spirit boat heading across Lake Tarawera. This was witnessed by many and soon everyone became frightened. On the night of June 10th, 1886 Tarawera Mountain covered everything by ash, lava, and anything else that a volcano can erupt. 139 people perished in this eruption and now it is called the "Buried Village". For $26.00 you too can see the buried village! Although today we'll give you a bargain price of $0.00...and here it is!
We also decided to do some tramping in a nearby reserve. Check out the fern tree pictures below. "Ode to the Fern Tree" will be coming your way soon...as soon as I figure out how to do slide shows on Blogger.
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