Geysers and Hobbits

Traveled from the port town of Tauranga to Rotorua where we saw acres of kiwi vines, mountains of logging and field after field of cattle and sheep.  Visits included a Maori Arts & Crafts training center, where new generations learn carving and weaving.   Of the stops for the day, the highlight was a walk through the Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve to see the boiling mud pools and the Pohutu geyser.   

 

 

 

The same evening was the first of two shore events for those of us on the full world cruise: an evening at Hobbiton.  The set used for the Hobbit/Lord of the Ring films was built in the middle of beautiful, hilly farmland and is now a popular tourist destination.  After a tour of the hobbit homes we partied with hobbits in full garb (many shoeless since, from what I heard, Hobbits don’t like to wear shoes).  Tents were set up with music venues, Hobbit food, and entertainment.   The evening ended with a light show and fireworks.  What fun!