Today we hiked a bit over 7 miles on the Tarawera trail (or track as trails are called in New Zealand). We started with a short drive through rolling hills and then a boat ride to the far end of the lake and then hiked back.
My overriding impression of New Zealand so far is that it is so lush, vibrant, and green. Just full of life.
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| Chaffinch |
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| This bit of palm is as big as my arm |
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| Purple Columbine flower |
We stopped about 1/2 way to refill our water bottles from a fresh water spring and have lunch at a place along the beach.
The lake is in the remains of a crater. The mountain is the active volcano. We had one last climb up the crater wall to get back to the car.
New Zealand over the years have brought in lots of species - mostly to make money. Animals such as stoats, Australian opossums (used for fur), deer, even moose (all died out). Unfortunately many of these such as stoats and rats have decimated the local wildlife. Now they are putting out traps like these along the trail to help keep the stoats and rats in check.
After the hike, we drove back into town and stopped by a Redwood (yes as in California Redwood) grove that was planted in 1901. Apparently New Zealanders also tried several other tree types such as douglas fir to grow them for wood.
After a break we went to a Maori center and learned that tourism saved their culture because when the government figured out that tourists were coming to see them, they stopped trying to suppress the Maori culture.
We saw a ceremony inviting us into their house. First the warriors came out to verify we would not attack.
Then we went inside and saw traditional dances and songs of their culture.
This particular tribe is based in an area with hot springs and geysers so after the show, they took us around the area.
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