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Tauranga, New Zealand

Saturday - March 1, 2008 - Tauranga

The first known settlers arrived around the 12th century from Takitimu and Mataatua waka, they named it “Tauranga” meaning landing place. Missionaries started coming in the early 1820’s and located at the head of a large harbor which extends along the western Bay of Plenty. It’s protected by Matakana island and is offered additional protection by Mount Munganui; which shelters the city which enjoys a warm, dry climate. Unfortunately, the day we arrived, it was raining and windy!

We are in Tauranga and scheduled to go on an all day bus trip to visit a Maori Village, where we will have lunch. Then we will go to a place called Rainbow Springs. I had no idea what was there, but what a big surprise it turned out to be. This really was one of the best trips we had been on. The bus ride through the country side was again the beautiful rolling green hills, dotted with sheep or cows and the ever present rows of trees of large scrubs outlining each plot of land. It makes for such a beautiful sight. This appears to be such a clean and well taken care of land. The people appreciate what they have and take care of it. There’s no trash on the streets, the houses are clean, well maintain and it is a real pleasure to visit this area.

Once we arrived at the Maori village we were put through a “Powhiri”, their formal ceremony of welcoming, which is as much of a display of strength for the men as anything. The women are asked not to say anything, as in the past they would not have even been allowed to watch this part of the greeting. The young men who did the dancing and display or weapons, did a great job and you begin to feel that it was real. And they could do harm if they so choose to do so. Each bus had a chief that represented their bus; there were four buses, so the crowd was large. From there we went through the village and were able to see how they lived previous to the arrival of the white man. Then they entertained us with their dances, men and woman, prior to our lunch. Lunch was very well prepared. It was simple food, but very good and we enjoyed it a great deal. I had a drink of rum and Kiwi fruit juice which also was refreshing.

From the Maori Village we go on to the Taurango steam vents or active volcano area. We weren’t able to go through much of it, as there wasn’t enough time, but we did get to see some of the major areas. Sure reminded us a great deal of Yellowstone and those Geysers.

The Maori gentleman, who was taking us around, then put on a presentation of how the natives used one of the main plants in the area for their clothing and shelters. It was very interesting and he was well skilled in his craft. From here we will move on to Rainbow Springs.

Once we arrived at Rainbow Springs, just down the road, we were wondering what more interesting things that they could show us. But here in this lovely park like setting was a natural stream running through it with wild Rainbow Trout, which had been brought to the islands years before by the English. Since these fish are fed by the visitors they stay in the area, even though they could leave anytime they want and return to Maunganui Lake several miles away. Some of these fish can get as big as 39 pounds. Can you imagine a 39 pound Rainbow Trout for dinner, WOW? Let’s eat, I say. It was amazing to see them, the stream also had many of the local ducks on it as well as several white geese, which would eat right out of your hand, or better yet take it off. We have also been seeing Black Geese in some of the rivers and lakes along the way. What a trill to see the beautiful birds up close.

But the biggest surprise was yet to come, as it turns out this State Park also has a Kiwi Bird Hatchery where they bring in wild Kiwi bird eggs and hatch them. They raise them until they are about six months of age and then they turn them lose again into the wild. It was such a treat to be able to see these unusual birds hatch as well as see them up close. They had a display area set up for several of the grown birds, so that you could see them without wire or glasses between you. And one little female was running all over the place looking for food, they are nocturnal animals and eat grubs and that sort of thing.

They also are almost extinct and do not have any major way of protecting them selves except running. I guess they do have spurs on their feet, but don’t normally use them to fight, unless cornered. It was such a pleasure to be able to almost reach out and touch these little birds. We may not be able to much longer, unless more areas start to raise them as well. They are funny looking little guys about the size of a chicken, with feather that look like fur, a dark brown color. There not very pretty but they are sure fun to watch run around. Like many of the birds in Australia and New Zealand, they do not fly at all.

Marilynn, Tom and Connie went on different tours. Tom and Connie visited a kiwi farm outside of Tauranga.