Rotorua (Tauranga), NZ - Day 44

Nestled on the Bay of Plenty, the Port of Tauranga is watched over by the dramatic Mt. Maunganui, an extinct volcano that helped shape this spectacular region of white- sand beaches and blue waters. The Māori arrived here in the 13th century, followed by the British 600 years later. Today, the city is home to a thriving culture scene and stunning vistas of mountains raising from the surrounding water. Tauranga is best known as the gateway to the bubbling mud pools, thermal fields of Rotorua. The local Māori believe this cauldron-like region to be a gift of fire from the gods. The dramatic phenomenon derives from sulfurous steam rising from within the earth through deep crevices.Read more