Monday, June 18, 2007
@ 12:35 AM
11th JuneHad our breakfast at Cafe Cartel (not sure of the spelling). It was better, as compared to Germany's, though that was not much of a variety. Had a long ride to Pukekohe where we saw how some of the agriculture products are produced in NZ. Next we headed to Te Puke where we saw how Kiwi fruits are grown and harvested. We also went to the Waihi beach where we did some studies on the coast. Headed for our second accommodation which was the Rotorua Thermal Holiday Park Lodge. The room was slightly smaller than the first accommodation.
12th JuneBest day ever. Went to the Tudor House Museum to learn about the Mount Tarawera eruption in 1886. The area around the museum was full of hydrogen sulphide (H
2S) smell. Headed to the Rainbow Springs next where we saw many animals unique to New Zealand, including the Kea (parrot), Kakapo (parrot), Kiwi and the Tuatara. At the next stop, the Rainbow Farm, we were treated to an animal show. There was live display of how sheep's wool was sheared and the milking of cows. We were also shown the many species of sheep in New Zealand. Some of us got to keep the sheep's wool as well. Here's the best part. We headed to Skyline Gondola in Rotorua and had a slow ride up the mountains. From there, we were allowed to ride the luge down the mountain. It was so fun that many of us went multiple times. There was the scenic track where we can see many nice sceneries while going down the mountain. There was also intermediate and advanced track. We played all the way till nighttime when the luge was starting to close. Then we headed for dinner at a Chinese restaurant. The food was not bad considering the amount that was used to supply our meal. Headed back to the Park Lodge to rest ourselves.
13th JuneToday was quite enjoyable as well. Our first stop was the Buried Village. From there, we saw the ruins of some of the houses during the Mount Tarawera eruption. Walking further in, we saw a beautiful waterfall. Up next, we headed to a Maori village where we got to see and learn the Maori culture. We were treated to a performance by some of the Maori people. The songs that were sang were very nice and touching. After the performance, we were given a tour around the village. There was a carving and weaving school for people who wish to learn the arts of the Maori people. We were led to a part of the village where there was active geothermal activity. There was a geyser that happened to be spewing just when we arrived. We also saw the Japanese school students in the village as well. This trip to the village was very educating and we all learned a very magical word which is commonly used by the Maoris in greeting. Kia ora, meaning 'be well' or 'God Bless'. It is used as a form of saying hello and at the end of a conversation as a way of thanking. Back at the Park Lodge, we had a short rest and the sec 4s headed to the hot spring to dip our legs. It was very hot but really very invigorating. The sec 3s joined us shortly after. Then back at the lodge again, we celebrated Ashilah's birthday. Ms Lee treated us to some drinks after the celebration. We then packed our luggage as we were moving to another lodge the next day.