March 18 – Rotorua

March 18, 2016 – On the road to Rotorua
Rotorua lies on a volcanic plateau about 920 ft above sea level. The aroma of sulfur is very strong in the town. There are volcanic steam vents, mud pools, and hot springs.
Driving south from Auckland we drove through very lush farm fields. We stopped for tea at 10am at a small homestead. (OAT has a rule that you have to stop for rest breaks every 2 hours.) The homestead had a beautiful garden with Monet-like bridges over a stream.
We stopped to take pictures of a statue of Richard O’brien who wrote “The Rocky Horror Picture Show”. He is dressed as Riff Raff, a character he played in the movie.
For lunch we stopped at an organic dairy farm owned by Dorothy and Ray. They have 150 acres and 140 cows. They converted to all organic 11 years ago but before their milk could be called organic, their fields and milk had to be tested as organic for 3 years. They are USDA certified organic, the milk is turned into cheese and milk powder. The powder is all sold to China. The cheeses are primarily sold to Trader Joes and Whole Foods in the US.
As we got back on our way to Rotorua, we passed a river where boats were competing in crew competitions. Off course we stopped for pictures.
Arriving in Rotorua the bus drove us around for an orientation and then got us to the hotel at 4:50pm. Half of us left again at 5:10pm to do a hike in a redwood forest. The forest was first planted 110 years ago with California Coastal redwoods. Between the trees are New Zealand fern trees. It is beautiful. We hiked for about 45 minutes and then headed back for dinner.
Tomorrow we will be exploring the Waimangu Volcanic Valley. In the afternoon I hope to do laundry. In the evening I am going to a Maori cultural performance and feast.