Rotorua - Kiwis, Redwoods and Hell

National Kiwi Hatchery - second kiwi conservation was the charm, and we got to see two! What strange little birds. These nocturnal guys have characteristics of birds, cats, and bats all combined into one, chicken-size creature. They’re in the same species group as the emu and ostrich, and surprisingly lay almost the same sized eggs. When the European settlers would take the kiwi skins home (now banned?), they would think this animal wasn’t real and was created by sewing other animal skins together.

Whakarewarewa Forest - walked through this forest, including giant redwood trees.

Hell’s Gate Geothermal Reserve and Mud Spa - enjoyed some time walking through the geothermal pools and erupting waters and learning about their significance to the Māori people. Gases escape where the Earth’s crust is shallower and heat (and melt) the water and earth above, up to 110C and 1.8 pH level. After the walk, we also enjoyed a class on wood carving and got to soak in the geothermal mud baths. What an incredible experience! Hopefully the memories last much longer than the sulphur smell from our bathing suits.

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