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A
Look Back in Time ...
Although
the original Wairakei Terraces and geysers disappeared with the
development of the Geothermal power station in the 1950's, new man-made
terraces, geysers, alum and mud pools have been created at Wairakei,
offering a look back in time to the thermal wonderland that once
existed here.
Incorporated
into a leisurely one hour guided or self-governed walk, are over
20 features of geothermal, cultural and geological interests including:
- silica
terraces, initially fashioned by mans hand, but now being left
up to mother nature to produce and perfect the colours and formations
reminiscent of the pink and white versions destroyed at Tarawera
in 1886
- carvings
depicting the legends and stories of Aotearoa (New Zealand) and
the local tribe, Ngati Tuwharetoa
- carving
house (Whare Whakairo) where carvers display the ancient arts
of Maori
- The
"Te Kiri o Hinekai" stream and pool, known world wide
as the 'Honeymoon Pool' famous for its therapeutic and healing
properties
- soothing
footbaths, waterfalls, blue pools and geyser
- animal
park, cafeteria, retail of Maori art & craft and souvenir
Exclusive
geothermal tours provide an excellent account of one of the worlds
most extraordinary engineering feats, the generation of electricity
using local geothermal energy. Bookings and guides are essential
for this activity.
Maori
Cultural Show
Visitors have the rare opportunity to experience the very cornerstone
of Maori custom and culture as they participate in a traditional
Challenge (Wero) and Welcome (Powhiri). Included also is a guided
tour if the Wairakei Terraces and Living Maori Village where artists
interact and explain the various ancient arts of weaving (Raranga),
carving (Whakairo), tattooing (Ta Moko) and musical instruments
(Puoro). This evening activity (which can be designed for daytime),
concludes with a traditionally cooked meal (Hangi) and a 40 minute
concert.
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