Te Puia was another amazing experience in Rotorua. I do love the Taupo and Rotorua regions. The spectacular volcanic scenery, the atmosphere, and the Maori culture and legend make it very special.

We decided to zip round Te Puia pretty quickly, looking at the geysers and then moving on to the coast and Whangamata, which is Julie’s favourite beach. However, that was before we started the guided tour! We were so lucky! We had a Maori lady as our guide who normally works in the ticket office. She gave us a direct link to the oral tradition and a glimpse of life in Whakawerawera village, also linking in with the village buried by the Tarawera eruption in the 19th Century.

It was fabulous, and although most of the rest of the tour party melted away, Julie and I stuck with her for the best part of 2 hours, and were fascinated!