The Tohunga (priest) on board the Arawa waka was Ngatiroirangi. Upon landing he set off with a group of warriors to investigate this new land. En route he passed through the Lakes district now known as Rotorua and came to the great expanse of water which he named Taupo nui a Tia. At the southern shore he was confronted by tall mountain peaks. Undaunted he climbed what is now called Ngauruhoe but as he neared the summit he was smitten by the cold. Barely alive he called backed to his sisters in Hawaiiki to send fire. Heeding his call they sent fire beneath the ocean to surface just off Whakatane and again at Rotorua and finally at the mountains where its warmth enabled Ngatiroirangi to complete his journey. And so the volcanic plateau came to be.
The day begins with a visit to see rock art data back hundreds of years with a local expert, Perry Fletcher. He has an intimate knowledge of this heritage which remians largely unknown even to New Zealanders - the location of many of the caves and rock shelters is carefully guarded to proserve and protect them. As well as taking you to a cave on private land Perry can also discuss some of the other points of interest in the wider region, including the so-called “Kaimanawa Wall.” After our cave visit we make our way to Wairakei Terraces where history and contemporary tools and methods meet in an amazing synergy. This site is a haven of traditional culture applied to the economic and social development of the local people. The terraces themselves are an amazing construction, multi-coloured terraces, created over time as silica is deposited from geothermal flows, deep below the ground.
The geothermal waters have been known for over a century for their healing properties - you will have the opportunity to soak in the foot pool to feel the benefits for yourself. You will also be guided along a private access to an ochre pit in geothermal field above Wairakei Terraces for a different view of Nature at work. Given the geothermal wonders of the site, it may be a little surprising that the real treasures of Wairakei Terraces are the people. Your arrival at the site sets the tone with the traditional greeting of the hongi -the sharing of breath. Once part of the whanau (family) you can start by discussing whakairo (carving) with the craftsmen who have created magnificent artworks from indigenous timbers.
You will be able to talk with the cook who made the hangi pie you have for lunch and discuss the traditional flavourings that Maori use in their cooking - as well as the vast range of traditional remedies (called rongoa) sourced from the forest. During your stay you will also have chance to make a simple artwork yourself as a memento of your visit. Most of all you will have the opportunity to meet and talk with one of the kaumatua (elders) and to explore what makes Maori culture so different . You may get into a discussion about kaitiakitanga - the nurturing of the environment; about raranga – weaving which makes extensive use of the flax plants which abound around the country; or explore some of the legends which still have a bearing on life today. At the end of the six hours we believe that you will have been amazed by the diversity of what you have experienced and, we hope, encouraged to explore deeper into Maori art and culture.
