Hydroeruption

Pohutu Geyser — The largest of several geysers within the Whakarewarewa valley. The Pohutu geyser erupts on average once or twice each hour and can reach heights of up to 30 metres (100 feet). Pohutu Geyser is a complex spring which discharges water in a cyclic manner. It is thought that a geyser requires an intricate plumbing system involving one or more chambers into which hot water, steam and gases are all fed. Eventually this reservoir becomes sufficiently pressurised and hot enough for the water to begin boiling. From the rapid and violent pressure within the chamber, water is forced up the geyser vent and then ejected into the air.

Location: Te Puia (Whakarewarewa), Rotorua, New Zealand. [S38 09.822 E176 15.034]

PhotoID: B_20110315_29047

A Work In Progress

A partially completed Maori-inspired carving on display at Te Puia Maori Arts and Crafts Institute.

Location: Te Puia (Whakarewarewa), Rotorua, New Zealand [S38 09.822 E176 15.034]

PhotoID: B_20110315_29023

Merry Christmas 2011

Merry Christmas to everyone!

PhotoID: B_20111224_29758

The Boat Guardian

Maori carvings on a traditional boat often represent a guardian spirit, usually absent warriors or ancestors.

Location: Te Puia (Whakarewarewa), Rotorua, New Zealand [S38 09.822 E176 15.034]

PhotoID: B_20110315_29020

Open Up And Say Aah!

A Maori performs a Haka dance for visitors at Te Puia, New Zealand Māori Arts & Crafts Institute, Rotorua, New Zealand.

Location: Te Puia (Whakarewarewa), Rotorua, New Zealand [S38 09.822 E176 15.034]

PhotoID: B_20110315_29012

Haircut!

A sheep shearing demonstration at the Agrodome, Rotorua, New Zealand.

Location: Agrodome, Rotorua, New Zealand [S38 05.167 E176 11.570]

PhotoID: B_20110315_28908

The Warrior

Maori customs being performed at Rotowhio Marae to welcome the tourists. The marae is the centre of any traditional Maori settlement and at Te Puia, Rotowhio Marae is the centre of cultural life, performance and important gatherings or events.

Location: Te Puia, Rotorua, New Zealand [S38 09.822 E176 15.034]

PhotoID: B_20110315_28993

Maori Motif (2)

Sharp-angled view of the carvings over the entranceway to Rotowhio Marae (meeting place).

Location: Te Puia (Whakarewarewa), Rotorua, New Zealand [S38 09.822 E176 15.034]

PhotoID: B_20110315_28988

Maori Motif (1)

Carvings on a Maori totem, seen at Te Puia, Rotorua, New Zealand.

PhotoID: B_20110315_28982