Our first stop on the road to Rotorua was the Karangahake Scenic Reserve to explore a native bush-clad gorge, swing bridges and the history of gold mining in New Zealand. On arriving into Rotorua we visited the Te Puia – a large geothermal reserve with New Zealand’s largest geyser. Rotorua is famous for its sulfuours odour (smelly eggs!) due to all of the geo thermal activity in the region. This is also the heart of the indigenous Maori culture and the best spot for travelers to learn more about native culture. In the evening we experienced a traditional Maori hangi (feast cooked under the ground) and concert in the evening with a classic Haka performance. Eyes bulged, tongues out. Rock on.
