We hiked a bit around Huka Falls, which is where the Waikato River goes thru a very narrow area and falls into a maelstrom of water. Lots of hydroelectric power is generated in various parts of NZ by this enormous outflow. We then drove to a geothermal area called Craters of the Moon. It's a very short (45 min) walk around thermal steam vents and mud pools. There are lots of posted signs reminding folks to watch after their children and stay on the path....The late afternoon found us in Rotorua, and a heavy sulfur smell was prevalent. Of interest, there's a large Maori influence in Rotorua, and the area is also thought to have healing properties found in its many hot springs and mud pools. That night we attended, by pure happenstance, the 12th annual Lakeside Music Festival. Another example of being in the right place at the right time! Several thousand people brought their blankets and chairs, iceboxes, food, and children to a small park area by Lake Rotorua, and enjoyed a wonderful semi and professional performance of a variety of musical venues, with singers backed by a small orchestra. There were soloists as well as group acts, highlighted by several operatic numbers (!), which brought loud applause from the crowd. The concert was concluded by a fireworks display; it was an awesome evening.
(Pic is of the 'Craters of the Moon' area from the ridge walk.)
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