Australia/New Zealand

Nestled on the Bay of Plenty, thus port is watched over by the dramatic Mt. Mangaui, an extinct volcano that helps shape this spectacular region of white-sand beaches & azure waters. Tauranga is best known as the gateway to the bubbling mud pools, thermal fields., sulfurous steam rising from within the earth thru deep crevices of Rotorua. The local Maori people believe this cauldron like region to be a gift of fire from the Gods. Export kiwi fruits,pine logs. The world's 7th most important port, employs 23, 000 people. Masses of retirement villas. 4 weeks vacation a yr. $14 an hr min wage. So Kiwi orchards are 85 yrs old and still producing. Kiwi fruits take about 2 yrs to mature. Wind & frosts are their enemy.Read more