POS-11 Geothermal:

The Pacific Ring of Fire Through Maori Eyes - Post

Kia ora and welcome to New Zealand the youngest country on earth.

New Zealand’s diverse and dramatic landscape draws many visitors to our shores. From fiords to rainforests, ocean beaches to volcanic cones, the relatively untouched landscape is breathtaking, but what makes the visit so special for many is the people they meet.

Maori people believe in the concept of ‘Manaakitanga’ this loosely translates as ‘hospitality’ – a concept that Kiwi people have embraced as part of the New Zealand experience. Kiwis are a friendly bunch and the care, engagement and hospitality we show our guests is based on pride and a genuine belief that this country offers something of everything.

New Zealand is regularly rated as one of the world’s preferred destinations not just because of its dramatic scenery, wide open spaces, extreme adventure, clean air, enticing food and wine, creativity and flair but also because of the ‘can do’ attitude.

Haere Mai. Welcome and enjoy your stay.

Customs and MAF requirements On arrival you will need to complete both customs and Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) requirements before you can officially enter New Zealand. MAF is responsible for agriculture, horticulture and forestry, safe food, a protected environment, the wise use of the land and the creation of clean, green product. MAF protect farms and wildlife from imported pests and diseases by minimising the number of foreign pests and diseases entering New Zealand.

You will be required by law to declare any food or organic material you are carrying. It is important not to ignore this as significant fines can be given to those who do.

IMPORTANT: Please use the final itinerary provided in your media pack on arrival in New Zealand. This will include any adjustments and additional contact details crucial to your itinerary

The arrangements shown in this itinerary have been made especially for you with the generous support and co-operation of Regional Tourism Organisations (RTOs), Air New Zealand, accommodation and product suppliers as detailed.

Tourism New Zealand will cover the costs of your accommodation, transport and sightseeing activities and meals as outlined in the itinerary. Please pay all minibar, telephone expenses and laundry yourselves, prior to check out from your accommodation.

NOTE: check in for a domestic flight is 40 minutes before departure and requires photo identification. Baggage allowance is 20 kilograms. Excess baggage for film equipment only, will be charged back to Tourism New Zealand with prior arrangements.

Please remember that the operators will be expecting you. Please be punctual and phone ahead should you be running late.

Regional Tourism Operators Contact Details

Destination Rotorua Contact: Helen van Beek Famils Executive Address: 3rd Floor, 1136 Arawa Street Private Bag 3007 ROTORUA Tel: 07 351 7006 Fax: 07 349 4133 Mobile: 027 674 1895 Email: [email protected] Web: www.rotoruanz.com

POST - 3 nights/4 days: Saturday 12 Nov to Tuesday 15 Nov, 2011

Geothermal: The Pacific Ring of Fire Through Maori Eyes New Zealand is a land of unique landscapes that appear to be literally breathing. The North Island, in particular, is part of the Pacific Ring of Fire and in certain areas you can see the physical manifestations of the earth’s energy beneath your feet. The Maori people have learned to live and thrive in this dramatic setting—their warriors soothing scars in the natural mud pools and hot springs, their meals cooked in thermal waters. From volcanic landscapes to geysers, sulphur vents to steaming pools, Rotorua has been catering to geologically curious visitors since the 1870s—the evolving scenic wonders are ready for you to explore.

Itinerary Using the town of Rotorua as our base, we’ll travel by boat to White Island, an active marine volcano located 50 kms (31 miles) off the east coast in the Bay of Plenty—with hard hats on, explore Te Puia o Whakaari (the dramatic volcano), an other-worldly environment that draws interest from volcanologists and scientists. The Maori people make up one-third of the population living around Rotorua and have long utilized the geothermal environment—we’ll stay overnight at a traditional Maori marae, enjoy a hangi feast and relax with a cultural dance and music presentation. Partake in a geothermal spa experience at one of New Zealand’s leading thermal spas and hike Waimangu Volcanic Valley with its steaming lake and bubbling streams before boarding the boat for a leisurely tour of spectacular Lake Rotomahana.

Difficulty Rating: MODERATE

Story angles: • The Geothermal Experience – soak in hot springs, watch geysers and mud pools, walk a volcanic landscape, travel to a live volcano. • Maori angle of living in a geothermal landscape. See how they used geothermal in their culture, why they gathered here, how they’ve incorporated it into their cultural tourism at Te Puia. • Active Geography and Geology – walk across landscapes of Waimangu Volcanic Valley to see, feel, and smell the geothermal features of some of the world’s youngest ecosystems. • White Island is one of the few places in the world to visit an active marine volcano. • Maori marae stay – Cultural experience hosted by a Maori family where we’ll watch music and dance performance, eat food cooked in a traditional hangi, and spend the night in the meeting house.

Unique photography opportunities: • This is a very photogenic area. Opportunities to shoot geysers, White Island, Maori marae cultural program, volcanic valley hike and lake cruise.

Components requiring some exertion: • Waimangu Volcanic Valley hike is 2-plus hours with a couple of good hills to climb but mostly flat. Alternate option: A shuttle bus can be used to shorten the hike. • White Island is explored on a rocky, uneven path (and a short ladder climb up from a Zodiac to the wharf).

Special clothing or gear participants must bring: • Rain jacket, walking shoes, hat for sun protection, sunblock. • For White Island: windbreaker, water bottle, and closed-toe walking shoes or boots (no sandals). • Swimsuit for the spa.

Saturday 12 November Wellington to Rotorua

0600 Enjoy breakfast and check out of your hotel in time to meet your hotel pick up below

0625 Pick up from InterContinental Hotel

0650 Pick up from Amora Hotel

0710 Pick up from Museum Hotel and transfer to Wellington Airport

0745 Arrive Wellington Airport for check in

0825 Wellington – Rotorua on NZ8580 (1hour 05 minute flight time)

0930 Arrive at Rotorua Airport and transfer to Rotorua Museum

1000 Rotorua Museum The Bath House, which today houses Rotorua Museum of Art and History Te Whare Taonga o Te Arawa, was once a famous geothermal spa which offered therapeutic treatments to visitors from all over the world. Opened in 1908 by Rear-Admiral Sperry of the American Great White Fleet, the Bath House represents the New Zealand Government’s first major investment in the tourism industry. An on-going programme of restoration and development will ensure the Bath House retains its place as one of New Zealand’s most famous buildings. We invite you to explore this unique landmark as part of your visit to Rotorua Museum. The story of the Bath House is told in the Taking the Cure exhibition in the north wing of the museum.

Rotorua Museum of Art and History

Contact: Joanna Doherty Address: Queens Drive Rotorua 3029 Tel: 07 349 4350 Email: [email protected] Web: www.rotoruamuseum.co.nz

1145 Transfer to Buried Village

1215 Lunch at the Buried Village

1300 Buried Village Destroyed by the eruption of Mt Tarawera in 1886, the village of Te Wairoa is today a living museum where visitors can experience a unique piece of New Zealand history.

The Museum of Te Wairoa takes visitors on an emotional journey telling the fascinating story of the village, the voyages to the Pink and White Terraces and the eruption of Mt Tarawera.

The excavated site, the only one to be open for public viewing in New Zealand, offers a first hand insight into the devastation, chaos and mayhem that transpired on the night Mt Tarawera erupted.

Wander the scenic pathways that link the sites, enjoy pristine native bush, view the sensational wilderness above the Wairere Falls looking out over remote volcanic scenery and catch a glimpse of the wild rainbow trout that inhibit the stream.

Buried Village

Contact: Karlene Zlahtic Address: 1180 Tarawera Road RD5 Rotorua Tel: 07 362 8287 Email: [email protected] Web: www.buriedvillage.co.nz

1530 Return trip to Te Puia via lake Tarawera and Blue Lakes for photo opportunities

1630

Te Puia - Hemo Road, Rotorua Come to Te Puia for a unique cultural experience and a personal encounter with our land and people. Step into our ancient valley where the world-famous Pohutu geyser still plays after 40,000 years. Will include tour of valley before evening hangi and concert package. Dinner is included.

Contact: Sean Marsh

Address: Hemo Road Rotorua Tel: 07 343 1865 Mob: 021 741 231 Email: [email protected] Web: www.tepuia.com

Stay

Te Puia Marae Stay Stay overnight at Te Puia and take part in a cultural experience staying on the resident marae, tasting local cuisine and getting a first-hand taste of Māori culture.

Guests escorted to the Meeting house for Marae stay where they will be hosted by a Maori Whanau (family).

Enjoy the experience of this sleepover in a sacred traditional meeting house – please note you will be sleeping in a communal room

Beds will be made and ready for you when you finish dinner.

Sunday 13 November Rotorua to White Island

0645 Enjoy breakfast at the Marae

Luggage will be transferred to Wai Ora Lakeside Spa and not travelling with you today.

0745 Pick up from Te Puia by PeeJays Shuttle Bus

White Island Tours Ltd Discover White Island, New Zealand's ACTIVE marine volcano! Join us aboard PeeJay for a daylong adventure, including a guided tour of the crater. White Island Tours gives you an in-depth guided tour of one of the world’s most interesting volcanoes. The island’s history is related in an informative way, with scientific information explained in an easy-to- understand manner.

Shortly after check-in at the White Island Rendezvous, the tour departs from the Whakatane Wharf. You will find yourself aboard PeeJay, a luxury launch specifically built for the tours to White Island. The trip out to the island is approximately 80 minutes, depending on conditions, so there is plenty of time to take in the scenery and marine life. On the way out to the island our crew will issue everyone safety gear, consisting of a hardhat and gas mask. Upon arrival at White Island, we anchor PeeJay and ferry everyone over to the island via inflatable boat to an existing concrete jetty. There is a short ladder to climb, a steel planking system to cross, and some boulders to negotiate before reaching the shore. Then it is time to start your 1.5 to 2-hour exploration of New Zealand’s only live marine volcano.

Trained guides will take you through the remains of the old sulphur mining factory and up close and personal with the bright yellow sulphur crystals. Just to top it all off, venture right up to the main crater’s edge. It’s all here, the hissing, roaring, eerie steam rising from the crater lake. After feeling the awesome power of Mother Nature, sit back, relax and indulge in one of our delicious lunches on board PeeJay. On our trip home we might even be lucky enough to spend some time with dolphins, whales or the New Zealand fur seal.

Participants must bring: Fully enclosed shoes with good grip Warm waterproof jacket Old clothing (discoloration infrequently occurs due to acidity of steam) Drink/water bottle Sunscreen Camera Water bottle Dramamine if you are prone to seasickness Swimming gear is optional in summer

Lunch and refreshments provided

Time: 0745 – 1700 including 90-minute transfer to Whakatane.

Contact: Patrick O’Sullivan Address: 15 Strand East, Whakatane Tel: 07 308 9500 Mob: 021 436 548 Email: [email protected] Web: www.whiteisland.co.nz

The White Island tour is very weather dependent. In the event of adverse sea conditions an alternate tour will be planned.

1700

Return to check into Wai Ora Lakeside Spa Resort. Enjoy use of the spa facilities (please note, treatments are not included) or take a stroll around the nearby reserve. 2000 Dinner at Wai Ora Lakeside Spa Resort’s award winning Mokoia Restaurant. Please note beverages are at your own expense.

Stay

Wai Ora Lakeside Spa Resort – Holdens Bay, Rotorua For luxury spa accommodation in Rotoura, choose Wai Ora: a multi-award- winning Rotorua hotel. Wai Ora: named best accommodation in New Zealand for “Relaxation and Spa Resort Hotel”. Guests rate our Rotorual hotel destination as a top-quality Rotorua spa experience.

Wai Ora Lakeside Spa Resort

Contact: Yumiko McGovern

Address: 77 Robinson Avenue Holdens Bay Rotorua Tel: 07 343 5100 Email: [email protected] Web: www.waiora-resort.co.nz

Monday 14 November Rotorua

0700 Enjoy breakfast at your accommodation.

0800 Pick up from accommodation by Te Urewera Treks, please bring your swimming costumes for the Polynesian Spa later today.

Travel from Rotorua eastwards via SH5 & SH38 points of interest en-route and associated Maori histories which include: • Maungakakaramea (Rainbow Mt) • Mt Tarawera • Kaingaroa forest • Murupara; Te Urewera & Te Ika Whenua Range

Some of the volcanic mountains that you will pass provide backdrop to some of the legends associated with the Pacific Rim of Fire – Genealogy of the volcanic mountains, Ruaumoko, (still-born child of Papatuanuku (Earth Mother) and guardian of volcanic activity and earth quakes) Ngatoroirangi (Priest of Te Arawa waka) and his journey across the region and call to his sisters to come and rescue him from the cold on Mt Ngaruahoe

Sanctuary Loop Walk, Whirinaki Forest Park • Background and history of Whirinaki • Mihi and karakia at the start of the walk and background explanation to these cultural processes • Walk in magnificent, virgin podocarp forest with tribal interpretation around tree species, uses (food & medicinal), legends and stories • Snacks provided

Lunch at the Mangamate waterfall & shelter – ideal setting for lunch adjacent to the Whirinaki River and the Mangamate stream and waterfall.

Contact: Joe Doherty Address: 421 Rerewhakaaitu Road, RD3 Rerewhakaaitu Rotorua 3073 Tel: 07 366 6055 Mob: 027 454 0737 Email: [email protected] Web: www.teureweratreks.co.nz

1345 Arrive Wharakarewarewa Thermal Village

Set amidst a landscape of erupting geothermal activity, hot thermal springs and hot bubbling mud pools is the Living Maori village of Whakarewarewa. Discover our unique lifestyle and traditions. Join a guided tour and see the wonders of Mother Nature and learn how we have come to live in harmony within this unique environment.

Contact: Renee Raimona Address: 9° Tukiterangi Street Whakarewarewa Village Rotorua Tel: 07 349 3463 Mob: 021 741 210 Email: [email protected] Web: www.whakarewarewa.com

1530 Depart Whakarewarewa Thermal Village

1545 Arrive Polynesian Spa

Polynesian Spa is New Zealand’s leading internationally acclaimed thermal spa, offering relaxing hot mineral spring bathing, sumptuous spa therapies and picturesque Lake Rotorua views.

Polynesian Spa

Contact: Charlotte Ward Address: 1000 Hinemoa St, Rotorua Tel: 07 348 1328 Email: [email protected] Web: www.polynesianspa.co.nz

Please bring swimming costumes, and note treatments are not included in this visit. 1745 Depart Polynesian Spa and return to accommodation to refresh

1845 Depart accommodation for Lakeland Queen

1900 Skyline Rotorua Take in an uninterrupted 180 degree twilight view of the city whilst you sample the full buffet dinner, the fully licensed Cableway Restaurant has to offer.

Contact: David Blackmore Address: Fairy Springs Road Rotorua Tel: 07 347 0027 Email: [email protected] Web: www.skylineskyrides.co.nz

2130 Transport to Wai Ora Lakeside Spa Resort

Stay Wai Ora Lakeside Spa Resort

Tuesday 15 November Rotorua to Auckland

0730 Breakfast at your accommodation and check out.

0845 Transport to Waimangu Volcanic Valley

0915 Waimangu Volcanic Valley

Waimangu Volcanic Valley is a must-do experience for anyone looking for unique eco-tours that take in rare plants and fascinating geothermal features.

Just 20 minutes south of Rotorua, this geothermal park, which features the spectacular Lake Rotomahana, is a protected scenic reserve and wildlife refuge set in pristine New Zealand bush.

Waimangu Volcanic Valley was created in 1886 when Mt Tarawera erupted. The eruption destroyed the surrounding area and opened the earth along a 17km rift, splitting Mt Tarawera in two, exploding Lake Rotomahana to 20 times its size, and forming the seven craters that make up the valley today.

Within 15 years of the volcanic eruption, the hot springs of the Waimangu geothermal system were established within the craters, making the reserve the world's youngest geothermal eco-system. Plant life returned 30 years after the eruption.

There is a range of self-guided eco-tours as well as walks and hikes varying in length, along crater walkways from which visitors can view the park's amazing geothermal features. Guided tours are also available; these include transportation from Rotorua.

Boat cruises on Lake Rotomahana give visitors the chance to see the reserve's volcanic activity from a unique perspective. A regular courtesy shuttle is available to return visitors following the walk and cruise.

Waimangu Volcanic Valley Contact: Harvey James Address: Off State Highway 5 587 Waimangu Road Rotorua 3043 New Zealand

Tel: +64-7-366 6137 Email: [email protected] Web: www.waimangu.co.nz

1230 Enjoy lunch at Waimangu

1400 Drive from Rotorua to Auckland (3 hour 30 minute travel time)

1730 Arrive Auckland Airport

We hope you enjoyed your stay in Aotearoa New Zealand Ka kite ano! See you again!

Tuesday, November 01