Page 6 - The Shores of Jupiter - January '22

Page 6, The Shores
Rotorua: Heart Of The Māori Nation

By Don Kiselewski, MCC,
D.S., Palm Beach Gardens
Travel Leaders
When the Polynesian
Māori (Mar-ee) landed
in New Zealand some
800 years ago, they were
attracted to the unique
area on the northeastern
part of the North Island.
In exploring the area, they
came upon numerous lakes,
the second of which was named Rotorua, or simply, “the
second lake.” Little did they know that this area would
become one of the most popular tourist spots in New
Zealand. Nine out of ten visitors to the country visit the
area, and the local city has grown as a result. of the 14 major Māori tribes located on the islands, and the water at such speed that they draw only 2 inches of
The North island of New Zealand is located on the serves a three-year apprenticeship, after which they return draft. These boats travel the zigzagging narrow river,
“Ring of Fire” that surrounds the Pacific Ocean. This to their tribes to educate others in their community. An doing flat 360-degree turns as they skim the surface of
string of volcanoes that tear through the Earth’s crust, active community of Māori still lives just outside the the water. Like bungee jumping or zorbing, it is no place
forming the circle, is perhaps most appreciated in the gates of Whakarewarewa, following the same lifestyle for those with a weak heart.
area around Rotorua. Lake Rotorua has filled the crater they have practiced for centuries. Accommodations in Rotorua are excellent, with
of a volcano, and all roads go up to the edge of the crater Mountainous terrain around Rotorua does not lend lodging capable of fitting any price range and need. No
that surrounds the community. The water in the center of itself to agriculture, with the exceptions of the Chinese visit to Rotorua would be complete without the experience
the lake is heated by the thermal activity. The network gooseberry, better known down under as kiwifruit. of the traditional feast, the Hangi. In addition to those
of past geological activities can be enjoyed through the However, the terrain is perfect for grazing. Holstein and that can be enjoyed at the tribal Great Houses of the area,
Waimangu Volcanic Valley with a climb, by foot or four- Jersey cows are the most popular for milk production, cultural parks present a nightly Hangi as part of their
wheeler, to Mount Tarawera, the culmination. The sides and New Zealand claims to be third in the world in entertainment activities, which reflect the lifestyle of the
of these volcanoes are covered with rich flora, generated exporting dairy products. There is very little doubt that Māori. Regardless of where you participate in the Hangi,
by the high mineral content of the ash. New Zealand has the best ice cream in the world … it’s the food will still be cooked using the thermal steam …
The Māori were attracted to this area because of the easy to get hooked and almost all residents are addicted. and the song and native dancing unforgettable.
natural thermal condition that occurs in the area. Thermal Some 14 varieties of sheep are grown in the country, New Zealanders have a keen awareness of what is
geysers, hot mineral baths and bubbling mud pools are with Merinos being the most popular. In the last several important in life. It’s an expression of respect for all living
found just outside Rotorua in Whakarewarewa (Fak-a- decades, the economics of raising sheep have caused creatures. They encourage you to do three things: Relax,
ware-a-ware-a). The Māori utilized this underground many of the sheep herds to be replaced with red deer. Enjoy and Toitu Te Whenua (leave the land undisturbed).
energy source not only to heat their homes, but also to New Zealanders have found that deer consume less food This attitude has been amply expressed in their position
steam and cook their food. Today, the food for the Māori in grazing and are more profitable at the market, both regarding French nuclear testing in the area.
Hangi (banquet) is still cooked by this natural steam. for meat and for antlers. Currently, New Zealand is the Today’s sights and attractions of New Zealand are
Fish, meats and vegetables are placed in oven boxes, set largest exporter of venison to Europe. reminiscent of those of our own national parks some 40
on the ground over these steam outlets, where they quick Special farm shows – such as the Agrodome and Long years ago, when they were in a more natural state, and
cook to perfection. Even fresh boiled corn on the cob is Ridge Farm – educate visitors on the animals of the before they were overrun by the population. Now is the
enjoyed, cooked directly in mesh bags and dipped into the area, and how they are raised, sheared and marketed. In time to visit these beautiful islands, before too many
thermal pools. Thermal energy from below the ground is addition, Rainbow Springs, in cooperation with the national people get in the way of your photographs. Rotorua and
converted to electricity and heat for many of the homes government, is breeding trout to fill and enhance the streams. all of New Zealand is waiting to show you its magnificent,
in the area. Fly-fishing for trout in the rushing streams of the area is warm hospitality.
The New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute, another popular activity, which draws countless visitors. Don Kiselewski writes from his personal experiences,
located at Whakarawarewa Thermal Reserve, has captured New Zealanders have always lived on the “edge” in having traveled in 122 countries and cruised the oceans,
the heritage of the people and continues to propagate their their sporting endeavors. The “All Blacks” rugby team seas and rivers of the world. Palm Beach Gardens Travel
culture. The center contains authentic buildings of the is one of the toughest in the sport; bungee (or “bungy”) Leaders, his family owned and operated agency, is
Māori, including the Meeting House, Weaving School jumping and zorbing originated here; and the America’s located at Mirasol Town Square, 11360 North Jog Road,
and Carving School. Meeting houses have traditionally Cup, one of the world’s most exhilarating boating Building A, Suite 102-6, Palm Beach Gardens. The agency
been the center of the tribe and they are used for all tribal experiences, can be found near Rotorua. The Kaituna has been serving the travel needs of the South Florida
affairs, including the Hangi. Craft schools teach the native River acts as the arena for “jet boating,” a unique sport area for over a quarter of a century. Contact him at (561)
arts of weaving to the young women and carving to the of New Zealand. Specially designed boats that hold more 694-9696 or Aussie@PBGTravel.com.
young men. Each young craftsman is selected from one than a dozen people are propelled across the surface of Photos by Don Kiselewski

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