Highlights of the Day
We explored Māori culture at Te Puia, starting with the kiwi conservation area, where we observed these flightless birds in a darkened enclosure. We then visited bubbling mud pools and the largest geyser in the Southern Hemisphere. At the arts center, we saw intricate bone and wood carvings and traditional weaving techniques. A lively Māori performance showcased unique gestures and rhythmic body slaps. After a buffet lunch, we visited Hell’s Gate, known for its geothermal features and mud baths. We walked through steaming landscapes, carved wood, and soaked in mineral-rich mud and hot springs, ending the day fully relaxed.
Logistics
Accommodation: ROTORUA ROYAL PALMS RESORT (highly recommended)
Transportation: Rental Car
The indigenous people of New Zealand are the Māori. My friends, who have lived here for a long time, told me that the New Zealand government is among the most supportive of indigenous rights in the world.
This morning, we visited a Māori cultural center called Te Puia.
The tour guide first took us to see New Zealand’s national bird, the kiwi. It has a round body, a sharp beak, and a brown belly. When curled up, it looks a bit like a hedgehog.
In ancient times, about 12 million kiwis lived in New Zealand. However, their numbers declined after cats and dogs were introduced, as these birds had no natural predators before. Today, only around 4,500 remain. Many conservation areas exist to protect them, including this one. Besides caring for wild kiwis, they keep three in an indoor enclosure for visitors to observe.
Kiwis sleep during the day and become active at night. To accommodate this, their indoor habitat remains dark during the day, tricking them into thinking it’s nighttime. We saw an adult kiwi in the first enclosure, round and fluffy with a sharp beak. The second enclosure seemed empty, as the kiwi was likely hiding. In the third, we spotted a tiny baby kiwi—adorable!
It was surprising that these birds can’t fly. They also dislike living in groups, so each one stays in a separate space. Over time, they are introduced to each other before eventually being housed together.
Next, we visited the mud pools, where thick mud constantly bubbled with steam. The guide said the temperature ranges from 60 to 70°C.
We then arrived at a geyser, supposedly the largest in the Southern Hemisphere. It erupts every 20 to 30 minutes, making it easy to catch a show. However, with steam rising all around, the geyser itself was a bit difficult to distinguish. Still, the eruption was powerful and impressive. Nearby, we saw a natural pool—the same one a staff member had mentioned yesterday, where he used to swim as a child.
Afterward, we toured the arts and crafts center, where artists carve stone, bone, and wood. At the bone-carving station, we asked an artist about his materials. He was carving cow bone and had a piece of whale bone beside him. He let us hold a whale tooth, which was surprisingly heavy. He admitted that whale teeth are precious, and since his skills aren’t advanced enough yet, he hasn’t carved one.
The tour continued to a weaving workshop, where several women worked with long green leaves. They peeled off the outer layer, revealing soft white fibers inside. These fibers were twisted into thick ropes and used to weave clothing, hats, and other items.
The guide also explained that the Māori had no written language—only oral traditions. The modern Māori writing system was developed by the British based on their spoken language.
We watched a traditional Māori performance afterward. The performers were full of energy, singing and dancing boldly. The women opened their eyes wide while dancing, and the men slapped their bodies to create rhythmic sounds.
A few notable gestures stood out. The performers shook their hands to symbolize life, and the men stuck out their tongues dramatically. One performer even wiggled his tongue rapidly, which seemed like a special skill!
The performance was lively and gave us a deeper understanding of Māori culture.
For lunch, we ate at their buffet restaurant. The video introduction mentioned that traditional Māori food is cooked underground using geothermal heat. They place food in a large container, cover it, and let the earth’s heat slowly cook it. We weren’t sure if our meal was prepared this way, but the ingredients were fresh, and the flavors were good.
In the afternoon, we drove to Hell’s Gate, a famous geothermal site. The highlight here was the mud bath, known for its healing properties.
Before the bath, visitors walk through the park.
We stopped at Kakahi Falls, the world’s largest hot waterfall, with water at 40°C. Māori people once bathed here.
Another attraction was a dark, misty area, creating an eerie atmosphere. A British writer named it Hell’s Gate when visiting.
At Steam Cliff, we saw boiling mud constantly churning. The underground heat was intense, making it clear why staying on designated paths was essential. Falling in would be disastrous.
The final activity was wood carving. After selecting a piece of wood, a staff member gave a brief lesson before letting us carve on our own. My design had many curves, making it quite challenging. Though the final result wasn’t perfect, it made for a memorable souvenir.
Now, it was time for the mud bath. The thick, mineral-rich mud is said to benefit the skin and reduce inflammation. Earlier, I had seen workers digging up mud near a hot spring—likely for this purpose.
Several mud pools were available, so I picked one with fewer people. I spread the warm mud all over my body and waited for it to dry. Visitors can only stay in the mud bath for 20 minutes. Staff members keep track of time and let you know when it’s time to leave.
After rinsing off, I soaked in a hot spring pool filled with geothermal water. The strong sulfur smell was noticeable, and the water temperature was high. When I asked a staff member, he confirmed it was 40°C—definitely hot but very relaxing.
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