The Kaituna River rafting run is not all that long, about 2-3km, but it is loaded with fun…14 rapids of fun with a total descent of 36m. Included in the run are the 3.5m Power House Drop and the 7m Tutea Falls…that is 21ft to you and me!…that is high, in a raft! And it is a blast and a total dunk-fest…fully submerged…awesome. Below are the sequential pics taken as we went over the falls.
From the scenery in NZ, you would think you are in paradise…a little slice of Heaven, not the gates of Hell. But, you would be wrong. Kia Ora, so named by the local Maori, was dubbed Hell's Gate by playwright George Bernard Shaw during his visit in the early 1900's. The name stuck, as did the individual pool names given as well, such as Devil's Couldron, Devil's Bath, Inferno, and Sodom & Gomorrah. Sounds like a tele-evangalist's theme park! Anyway, it is very active geothermal area with boiling mud pools and water pools, steam vents, and a strong rotten egg (sulfur) smell. It is a surreal landscape.
During one of our evenings in Rotorua, we attended a Mitai Maori cultural performance and dinner. As cultural performances go, it wasn't too bad. It is performed by actual tribe members as a means of retaining and passing on its heritage to younger tribe members as well as educating others about their heritage and culture. A smorgasbord of tools, weapons, musical instruments, games, and dances were presented in a fun and light-hearted manner. The Warrior Dance was a particular standout…pretty fierce and angry dance, but I guess that was the point. The trademark 'sticking the tongue out' was used as an insult to their enemies…kinda like saying you will taste good on my plate. The other point of interest was the explanation of the face and body tattooing. The tattoos are very specific and earned after exhibiting to tribal elders a certain level of knowledge. They designate a man or woman's status within the tribe.
Our last stop while in Rotorua, was Paradise Valley. It seems that they kinda got a Heaven and Hell theme going on in this town. Anyway, Paradise Valley is a Trout Sanctuary and Animal Park. I never knew trout were so persecuted to need their own sanctuary. Since going on this trip, Ivy has become a real animal-lover. If she has the chance to pet and play with the animals, we are there. Oh, yeah, and they have lions here…and you can play with the lion cubs. Awwww, but there are no young cubs now…no petting or playing…only watching…the 2:30pm feeding.
Our time is running short in NZ. Heading to Auckland to see what fun we can find.
Cheers!
