Hell's Gate

A leisurely start to the day and then a drive out of town to Hell's Gate which is a centre of thermal activity. We take a stroll through the site following in the footsteps of George Bernard Shaw who named many of the pools of hot water and mud. There is even a growing mud volcano.

After walking around the site we head to the Spa where Lynda has a hot mud bath before joining me in the sulphurous water of the Spa.

I now have a special black-silver Cladagh ring. We were advised to remove jewellery before entering the water but as I cannot remove my finger...

Return to campsite to prepare for tonight's Maori experience.

Lots of hot water, mud and superheated steam 

A little mud volcano, but growing up fast 

We are picked up by bus from the campsite to go to the Mirai Maori Experience. 

This turns out to be an excellent event. Despite their being at least 200 people there we are split into two marquees and then several smaller sub-groups. Our main host is excellent. We get a lot of culture and history but delivered in a humorous and self deprecating manner. 

We have a tour of the village area followed by a show including the hakka, singing, dancing, demonstrations of fighting skills and play activities. 

We then return to the marquee for a hangi meal.   That is,  one cooked in steam over red hot stones in a pit in the ground. Lamb and sweet potato are the main ingredients but chicken,  rice, potatoes, cauliflower and salads are also available. Sea food chowder to start and a choice of sweets. 

After the meal we are taken through the village once again and shown some of the flora and fauna, including glow worms, before returning to the campsite on the bus. 

An excellent evening.