GEYSERS AND CARVING AND FLIGHT TO SOUTH ISLAND

 OFF TO THE SOUTH ISLAND:

We were up and getting our bags ready for the flight to the South Island. Weight restriction but no big deal as we are good there. 



After breakfast we loaded onto our bus and made the short drive to Te Puia  Geothermal Park. This is an area of Rotorua where we find many different thermal features. This park covers 70 hectares (173 acres) and is a very active geothermal area. Located in the park one finds these various thermal features which include, hot springs, geysers, mud pots, fumaroles, and travertine terraces. 

 

 

Geologically it is amazing to find these features in such a confined area. Here we find Pohutu Geyser. This is the largest active geyser in the Southern Hemisphere. Pohutu Geyser erupts about 20 times a day and these eruptions can reach up to 30 meters high.

 

                         ALL IN ALL A BABY YELLOWSTONE
 

On this property we find the Maori Arts and Crafts Institute. This institute was created about 60 years ago to keep the crafts of Te Wānanga Whakairo Rākau (National Wood Carving School), Te Takapū o Rotowhio (National Stone and Bone Carving School) and Te Rito o Rotowhio (the National Weaving School).

Here you learn a bit about the tools used, styles, and see works in progress. 

One exits via a gallery and gift shop. 



 

 

Next we were off to the airport to catch a flight to Christchurch on the South Island of New Zealand. The flight was in an ATR 27 and took a little over two hours. Interestingly there was no security check point for this domestic flight.

As expected, we boarded a bus and made our way to the Crown Plaza Hotel. Along the way we saw a few US Air Force planes used to support the missions on Antarctica. 

I was amazed at the very diverse architecture, most likely due to various neighborhoods being rebuilt after the earthquakes of 2010 and 2011. 



When we arrived at the hotel we dropped our bags and went for a GREAT walking tour, learning a good bit about the people of Christchurch, architecture, wildlife. We also got lots of great tips for dining places for tomorrow evening. 



 

I spied this statue from a good distance and knew right away it was Scott.

The willow trees along the river Avon here in Christchurch were started from cuttings by French sailors. Theses cuttings were brought here from St. Helena. This is the Island where Nepolian was held in exile. 

Christchurch has a very positive vibe, with a vibrant culinary scene and great green spaces. 

The evening concluded with a group evening meal. 

Some fellow travelers went out for a night cap. We retired to our room to write this blog, organized our bags, and got some laundry done.

Tomorrow we will be visiting the International Antarctic Center, yes I am very excited about this.