POS-11 Geothermal
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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.