Kia Ora friends, family members, and those who might of stumbled across this blog completely on accident. I’d like to start out by giving a personal shout-out to my dad (Phil Long) for being the first ever commentator on my blog!! *cue confetti* I appreciate the support.
As requested, I’ll delve further into our group excursion to Rotorua last Saturday.
view of the geysers from afar
Honestly, it’s been three days since we got back and I’m still not over it. When we stepped off the bus, it was as if we time-traveled to a Mesozoic Era jungle, equipped with giant ferns (so large they could be trees) and sulfurous mud pits. I’d been itching to ditch the urban Auckland scene for a while, and this trip more than satisfied my need for nature.
Our Māori guide led us through the geothermic valley, enlightening us on the culture and history of his people who have lived off this land for generations. He talked about the health benefits of the mud (even though it smelled like rotten eggs), how to cook fish via geysers, and the importance of what they do to care for the environment (we were able to see their kiwi bird rehabilitation center, but unfortunately I was unable to take any pictures due to the bird’s sensitivity to light).
He also talked about the rebirth of the Māori culture. The indigenous people of New Zealand have struggled to revitalize their language and cultural practices in the face of European colonization and racism, a trend that is sadly common throughout the world.
The institutions at Rotorua seek to educate Māori people (as well as Pakeha) so that they can take what they’ve learned and bring it back to their local tribes so that the knowledge becomes more widespread. They have schools that teach traditional wood carving, bone carving, weaving, and tattooing, as well as a fantastic interactive museum where you are welcome to talk to the masters of those arts as they work on their projects.
A Waka (traditional canoe)
All in all, if you have the chance to visit Rotorua, I’d highly recommend doing so. You will get a taste of the wild bio-diversity that New Zealand has to offer, as well as insight on its native people. Tomorrow I’ll talk more about Mount Eden, Myer’s Park, and my city adventures.
So until then (as always),
Rotorua: The Second Lake Kia Ora friends, family members, and those who might of stumbled across this blog completely on accident.
