We left early in the morning for our flight to Rotorua, followed by a short drive to the Te Puia Maori Cultural Center.

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We toured the Maori Arts and Crafts Institute.

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We elected the oldest member of our group (age 80) as “chief” for the traditional Maori welcoming ceremony. In response to an aggressive challenge from a warrior, our “chief” presented a leaf as a symbolic offering of peace. The acceptance of the peace offering concluded the ceremony.

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Maori performers presented a series of traditional songs and dances.

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Mud pool

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it was a ten-minute walk from the Maori village to the Pohutu Geyser, which is the largest active geyser in the Southern Hemisphere.

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Government Gardens

Rotorua Museum

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These photos are of Rachel Spring, an alkaline hot spring. As we drove through Rotorua we could see fenced-off sections in public parks or residential areas where steam was venting.