This morning we visit the Taupo Bungy Site, New Zealand’s highest water touch bungy at 47 metres.
Taupo Bungy
Located in the stunning volcanic Waikato River Valley, Taupo Bungy is considered one of the world’s most spectacular bungy sites, featuring the world’s first cantilever platform and New Zealand’s first ‘splash cam’.
Views around the bungy site
After some of our fellow travellers jumped off the platform, we head towards the smelting pot of Rotorua.
Bungy!!
Along the way, we made a stop at the raging waters of Huka Falls, the largest falls on the Waikato River.
The falls are the most visited natural attraction in New Zealand!! The Waikato River, normally up to 100 metres wide, abruptly narrows to just 15 metres as it crosses a hard volcanic ledge. This causes a huge volume of water to collide together, forming a spectacular visual feast of powerful falls and rapids.
Huka Falls
Next, we arrived into Rotorua, where geothermal steams, …
Geothermal steams
… volcanic mountains and huge crater lakes …
Crater lakes
… remind us that this region rests immediately above the Pacific Ring of Fire. Nicknamed Sulphur City, there is an odour unique to Rotorua that adds to the visitor experience. We proceeded with our afternoon visit to Whakarewarewa Maori Village and Thermal Reserve.
Whakarewarewa Thermal Village
Following our traditional Māori "hangi" meal we learn of the Māori lifestyle, history and customs on our tour in this unique village.
We get to see displays about traditional weapons, instruments and learn the intricate details of woodcarving. We also get to enjoy a Māori concert that includes the Haka, a traditional dance form of the Māori of New Zealand. It is a posture dance with shouted accompaniment, performed by a group.
The Māori Concert
After all the touring, we checked into our accommodation for the next two night where we had our very own outdoor hot tub.
Alpin Motel
Later in the day, we went out for a stroll to check out the Rotorua CBD.
Rotorua CBD
Along our stroll, we also got to see the Waka Taua, a large decorated war canoe up to 40 metres long.
The Waka taua are single-hulled vessels made from a hollowed-out tree trunk. Large waka, which are usually elaborately carved and decorated, may consist of several jointed pieces lashed together. The resurgence of Māori culture has seen an increase in the numbers of waka taua built, generally on behalf of a tribal group, for use on ceremonial occasions.
Waka Taua
Walking back to our accommodation, we also passed by Rotorua McDonald’s which is nicely decorated with carvings.
McDonald’s with a local styling
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