Today was packed and full of adventure.
Volcanic Valley
We started out by taking a trip to Waimangu Volcanic Valley. This valley features the world’s largest hot spring, extreme geothermal activity, and is environmentally protected. This Valley came to be when Mount. Tarawera erupted in 1886. Before the eruption, the Valley was filled with rolling scrub-covered hills with no surface hydrothermal activity. The eruption completely decimated everything there and triggered the geothermal activity. Since then, Waimangu Valley has slowly become more and more filled with biodiversity like it once was. Everything seen at Waimangu is either a direct result of the 1886 eruption or, if it is alive, has arrived here since the Eruption.
Today I learned that this valley is protected as it holds valuable information about New Zealand’s natural forests, plants, and animals, and also holds valuable information about New Zealand’s geothermal activity and geothermal activity as a whole. The one thing that stuck out to me today is that the re-establishment of vegetation has occurred without influence from humans and and the people who run the valley intent to keep it that way. They are dedicated to preserving biodiversity and the natural resources on the island and I appreciate that they are continuing to make an effort while at the same time show everyone else the beauty of the valley.
Tamaki Experience
We had the beautiful honor of learning and being immersed in Maori culture. We visited Te Pā Tū, a nearby village, and learned about their family, the other iwis (tribes) of New Zealand, and about the Maori culture. We learned some Maori words and phrases and we ended with a hangi, where the food is cooked and steamed underground, usually for 4+ hours. It was a wonderful 4-course meal that ended with a very delicious dessert. (I did not take any pictures, unfortunately. #Living In The Moment)
During this experience, I learned how the tribe owns land in and around Rotorua and uses it to educate people about Maori culture. We also learned that the tribe works closely with the NZ government to make sure Maori people have a voice.
Redwoods
We had the chance to visit California Native Redwoods (IN NEW ZEALAND) in between this morning’s volcanic valley experience and the Tamaki experience. This was my first time seeing a redwood tree in person and I even treated myself to the “treetop” experience where I got to walk some meters up! I got to learn about the reasons for Redwoods being in New Zealand and I was also able to see a piece of the biggest redwood to exist. It was a very fun experience and I hope to be able to compare what the experience is like visiting the redwoods actually in California one day.
