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ROTORUA, NEW ZEALAND
Billy and Akaisha Kaderli
Rotorua is the most popular tourist area in the North Island
of New Zealand, and Lake Rotorua is the largest of twelve lakes in the
district, formed by a volcanic eruption centuries ago. The area is blessed
with a good climate and is world famous for its geysers, hot springs, mud
pools and trout fishing. Of great significance to the Maori, whose
presence dates back to the 14th century, their cultural activities are
among the most interesting and accessible in New Zealand.
 BILLY & AKAISHA AT THE CHAMPAGNE POOL
If you are interested in native cultures, try a Maori
Concert and Hangi
(meals cooked in an earth oven), put on by the locals. Complete with a
group sing in, a haka (war dance), action songs and hand games, it's an experience you
will never forget.
 LADY KNOX GEYSER
If you are a geologist or just interested in nature's
volcanic beauty, visit Wai-o-tapu, 27 kilometers south of Rotorua on SH5
(the Rotorua-Taupo highway). The name means "sacred waters" and
is perhaps one of the best thermal areas to visit, a true thermal
wonderland. For $16.50 NZ, you can walk the complete volcanic park and see
a diverse range of geothermal features.
Lady Knox Geyser is one of the largest geysers in New Zealand, erupting
up to 20 meters high daily at 10:15 a.m. The Champagne Pool, unique in the
world, covers 4,000 square meters on
the surface. The color of the water combined with the
natural effervescence gives the pool its name.
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