Waimangu Volcanic Valley holds the youngest geothermal valley. We were immersed through a walk learning about the array of birds, hot springs, geothermal features and learned about plants and their uniqueness. The Mt Tarawera volcanic eruption dramatically changed the landscape that created Rotorua’s geothermal park. During 1886, a line of craters from the northern end of Tarawera was formed by a violent eruption, creating the world’s youngest geothermal system. Today Waimangu is the only geothermal system in New Zealand that has not been altered by humans. Thankfully Waimangu will not be developed for exploitation, only preserved.
Tāmaki Māori Village was a great learning experience. Despite this being a performative experience it was still special and emotional to be a part of culture that we are not familiar with. It was a great opportunity to hear about this community who is often not heard by the government. Māori people care about preserving their traditions, customs, geothermal land, and foods in order to keep their traditions acknowledge through generations and uplift their beautiful community. I often wondered through this day what this island would look like if the Māori people and their land were not exploited or taken from. Great things can’t last forever or get easier, but things get better.
