Rotorua, Rotorua Museum, New Zealand

Rotorua, on New Zealand’s North Island, is built entirely in the crater of a volcano.  Its 67,000 residents live on an active geothermal area that produces  about 80,000 TONS of water flow daily. These wonderful waters  were used in Rotorua’s famous Bath House talked about in the last blog. 

When the Bath House was closed in the 1960s, it was re-invented into the Rotorua Museum of Art and History.  It is one of the best places to understand the geology of the area and to learn about the culture of the Maori people.

My first stop was the cinema that provides an imaginary trip 13 km into the middle of the earth.  Using both scientific and Maori legends, the story of the dynamic and ever changing earth beneath Rotorua is explained.  I had to keep telling myself this is just a movie when the eruption of Mounta Tarawera came on the screen.  This volatile eruption covered entire villages and changed the landscape forever.  The surround sound provided realistic noises and then my chair began to vibrate wildly.  My first impression was that I was in an earthquake and a volcanic explosion was imminent, but it was just the movie.

In another section of the museum, the story of theTe Arawa  (Rotorua’s first inhabitants) people is dramatically displayed.   Traditional love stories, the migration of the people, more on that volcanic eruption of Mt Tarawera are included along with the feats of B Company 28 Maroi Battalion,

Next adventure is downstairs to the Mud House Basement.   Here, you can see what this part of the old Bath House looked like in 1908. The rooms are quite gloomy and the smell of sulfur permeates the basement, but it is a fascinating trip back to the original Bath House.

From the basement we climb to the Roof With A View.  With its Elizabethan architecture, the roof has many complex angles and intersecting gables, but it is the view that impresses me.  I look in all directions and see a distant skyline.  This is the rim of the crater that holds Rotorua and the surrounding geothermal area.  From the Viewing Platform, it is easy to see the extensive grounds of the museum.  A brochure guides you to 20 stops along the Cultural Heritage Trail around the museum.

Rotorua Museum provided me with a overall view of the history and geology of the area and was a great start to my stay in Rotorua.

Website: www.rotoruamuseum.co.nz

Submitted by:  Janet Webb Farnsworth, writer and Bernadette Heath, photographer/writer of ‘”Grandma Needs a Four-Wheel Drive, Adventure Travel for Seniors.”  www.grandmaneedsafour-wheeldrive.com.

ROTORUA MUSEUM, NEW ZEALAND

BATH HOUSE HISTORY

The Rotorua Museum is a beautiful building that seems to have been transported from Europe.   Maybe that’s because it was first a Bath House.  Officially opened in 1908, the designer, Dr. Arthur Stanley Wholmann, favored the “homely timbered buildings of Bad Nauheim”(Germany) rather than “the cold glory of (English) marble palaces”  It is an essentially Elizabethan style of architecture with half-timbered construction, gables, towers and a grand staircase.

A large, yellow,  very ornate building complete with brown gingerbread trim and orange tile roof, the original Bath House faces a green expanse of  lawn where croquet is often played.   Built on land donated by Maori member Ngati Whakane whose only stipulation was that it “be a place for all the people of the world,” the building is still a symbol of Rotorua.

The Bath House was New Zealand’s first venture into the tourism industry hoping to lure visitors to the “Great South Seas Spa.”  Water from the natural, nearby, thermal pools was piped into the Bath House so patrons could “take the cure.”  Thousands came to consult with balneologists who treated their various conditions with baths and water cures.

The area’s thermal pools were used before the Bath House opened.  In 1878, a Catholic Priest, Father Mahoney, was carried to the small spring known as Te Pupunitanga.  After soaking in the acidic waters, he was able to walk home.  This particular pool became known as the “Priest’s Bath. 

To give the Bath House the luxurious atmosphere of European spas, thirteen sculptures were displayed in the foyer.  Twelve of them were created by Charles Francis Summers, a Melbourne Sculptor, who received 2000 pounds for them. 

Ironically, the very water that made the Bath House so popular created a nightmare of maintenance problems.   Corrosion caused by the acidic thermal water and the hydrogen sulphide gas raised havoc with the machinery.   The first problem caused the Bath House to close within a few days of opening when all white lead-painted furniture turned black.  It was a constant battle to keep all the equipment in working order.

Over the years, “taking the cure” went out of style, replaced by newer medical procedures.   The Bath House closed in the 1960’s and was re-opened in 1969 as the Rotorua Museum.

More tomorrow on the wonderful museum now housed in the old Bath House.

www.rotoruamuseum.co.nz

Submitted by Janet Webb Farnsworth, writer and Bernadette Heath, photographer and writer of "Grandma Needs a Four-wheel Drive, Adventure Travel for Seniors."  web page: www.grandmaneedsafour-wheeldrive.com  

ROTORUA, Polynesian Spa, NEW ZELAND, HEAVEN IN HAIL

The central portion of New Zealand’s North Island is a geothermal wonderland.  This is the land of the Maori people who have made their homes among the plopping mud pools, gushing geysers and steaming thermal pools.  Most mornings a fog hangs low in the mysterious valley and the smell of sulfur permeates the air.

            I spent several days exploring this region and will be blogging more about it, but one of my favorite experiences didn’t involved the beauty of the place, but the chemistry.

            I had been in New Zealand for nearly two weeks and from all the adventures, my muscles were feeling the strain.  When we stopped at the Polynesian Spa in Rotorua and had a chance to soak in the warm geothermal pools, I was more than ready to jump in.

            Travelers have come to the Rotorua area for more than a hundred years, to “take the cure.”  The highly mineralized water seems to help relieve a number of health problems.  Today, visitors come for a variety of reasons.  Some claim it helps stiff muscles and arthritis, others extol the beauty benefits on their skin while others praise the relaxing effects.

            The staff at the Polynesian Spa explained that there were a number of different pools at different temperatures and that some were acidic and some alkaline.  When I asked what the difference was – not chemically – but just for me, they explained that generally if you want to work on your skin, go to the alkaline, but if you want to get rid of sore muscles, the acidic pools were for you. 

            Me—I grabbed my towel and hobbled as fast as my complaining legs could take me to the nearest acidic pool.  Forget a beauty treatment.  I wanted pain relief.

            The pools were outdoors with a couple of them having shade roofs over part of the pool. I started in the “coolest” of the hot pools and worked my way through several more until I arrived at one that was about 114 degrees Fahrenheit. I reveled in the hot water and my aches and pains seemed to float away. 

            While I was luxuriating, the skies clouded and the wind picked up.  I didn’t mind when a few raindrops started falling, after all, I was neck deep in hot water.  I heard the distance rumble of thunder, but I wasn’t too worried, the lightning was far away. 

            Then, the hail started.  Small pieces of ice plunked my head until I retreated under the shade roof.  It was fun sitting in warm water and watching ice splatter the unprotected part of the pool.   The thunder was getting louder, and then--CRACK--a bolt of lightning hit close by.

            My IQ may not be in the genius range, but I do know that lightning and water don’t mix.  I don’t know if it was from the wonderful water or if it was simple adrenaline, but my once stiff legs propelled me up and out of that pool and into the safety of the dressing room in record breaking time.

            My achy muscles stayed gone, so the “cure” must have taken.  I know I’ll always think of that incredible geothermal pool every time I see hail. It was truly heaven in hail. 

For more information on the Polynesian Spa visit:

www.polynesianspa.co.nz

Submitted by: Janet Webb Farnsworth, writer and Bernadette Heath, photographer, writer of "Grandma Needs a Four-Wheel Drive, Adventure Travel for Seniors." www.grandmaneedsafour-wheeldrive.com

Wedderburn, Penvose Farms, Central Otago, New Zealand

Water Holding Tank, Penvose Farm, Wedderburn

When we visited the Penvose Farm, on that partly cloudy morning in November, it was like going back to my childhood and we were at my uncles farm in southern Minnesota. The people were the same.  They were the down to earth, hard working, creative, industrious farmers.  Like my Dad would have said, "They are the salt of the earth."  

We were welcomed at the Duncan's family newest venture the  "Wedderburn Cottages.  The Rail Trail runs through the family farm.  Taking advantage of this feature, the Duncan's built accommodations for bikers.  They have cottages, camping facilities, The Red Barn rest stop, a lodge, and a smiling, helpful attitude that they extend to all visitors.  On the next blog, we'll take about the Rail Trail but right now I want to continue with the farm.

This 4,500acre high country farm is proud of its computer controlled pivot sprinkling system.  The pressure of the water coming from the holding pond, runs the system, keeps the fields green for the grazing sheep.  A more profitable farming operation.

Sheep, one of the "crops" of the Penvose farm.

It seems like every farm or station on the South Island of NZ was into the sheep business.  The Penvose farm was also into various types of sheep based on their wool.  Softer wool is becoming popular in the clothing industry.  On displayed at their visitors center, one can see and feel the difference in wool.  Paying attention to the clothing market will determine what breed of sheep they produce more of.

Sheep dogs are anxious to do their job. A whistle is all it takes to get them off and running.

 What to say about the faithful sheep dogs.  Each one has his/her job.  One will scatter, another will gather. The sheep know what each dog is going to do to them and start moving with  the command is given. It fun to watch and a marvel to see. I think I have to work with my dog a little more to get her in shape for scattering or gathering anything.

Just like country folks of my uncles era, this family took us to their home and treated us with homemade biscuits and jam.  What a treat.
If you are planning on traveling to New Zealand and get tired of all the "touristy spots"  and want to experience the "salt of the earth" people of  New Zealand, you might give the Central Otago valley and the Penvose Farms a try.

Wedderburn Cottages, Farm Tour, Central Otago, South Island, New Zealand., www.wedderburncottages.co.nz

Submitted by: Bernadette Heath, photographer, writer, Janet Webb Farnsworth, writer "Grandma Needs a Four-Wheel Drive, Adventure Travel for Seniors".  www.grandmaneedsafour-wheeldrive.com

Clyde, Historic town, South Island, New Zealand

Early morning walk around Clyde

The day always goes better if I start with a walk.  A walk to anywhere. As clouds were lifting off the hills around Clyde and the low lying sun put a glow to all the wild broom plants, all  I had to do was to ask a jogger where a trail was. She pointed the way to an uphill lope path that went around by the dam,  and then back into town.  It was perfect lighting conditions for great pictures so I kept shooting away when a red sweater caught my eye. A perfect color against all the gold and green of the hillsides.  

The person wearing the red color kept coming toward me and we finished the lope walk together.  She was the owner of Hartley Arms Hotel built in 1869.  This gold stone building had been in her family since the 1950's.  First they used it as a get-away. It needed serious renovation if the family was to live in it for any length of time.  They left the front the way it was and over the years, worked on the back, which is were they live now. She's proud to live in this historic town and is looking forward to retirement when they can spend most of their time in Clyde. 

St Dunstan's Church

Olivers, Bed and Breakfast, part of Benjamin Naylor's store

Benjamin Naylor's Store , 1870

 Oliver's, which is were we spent the night, was originally Benjamin Naylor's Store.  Mr. Naylor moved into town, put up a tent and sold supplies to the gold miners in 1862. The next year the tent was replaced by a wood and corrugated iron building.  By 1870 Benjamin was prosperous enough to buy the land, build a home, stables, coach sheds, smoke house and a large retail store.
Now, as guests of Oliver's we enjoyed a stone walled bedroom with bath tub, an antique decorated bathroom. Our patio doors looked out on a private courtyard.   Our breakfast was served in a 140 year old schist dining room.  Baskets of peonies and walnuts decorated our tables.

Walls surrounding Benjamin Naylor's property. Stones salvaged from derelict buildings. 

Submitted by: Bernadette Heath, photographer, writer, Janet Webb Farnsworth, writer of "Grandma Needs a Four-Wheel Drive, Adventure Travel for Seniors". web page: www.grandmaneedsafour-wheeldrive.com 

Hayes Engineering Works at Oturehua, New Zealand

Original Hayes Family Homestead of 1895

Ernest Hayes, born in Warwickshire, England, moved to New Zealand in 1882 as a married man with a wife and child, to became one of the countries leading pioneers in the early engineering and agricultural industry. He started out with simple tools to help him on his 60 hectare farm and move up from there.  By 1906 he's best known invention, the parallel wire strainer for farm fences.  For anyone who has done fencing work, they know how important this tool is in getting a tight line.  Four years later he built a successful windmill to produce power for his own works and his home. . 

Ernest Hayes work shop.

Dishes of bright colors on dinning room table. 

The master bedroom with two cribs and the lumpy  masters bed

One of the babies cribs. Hand made quilts on all beds.

By 1912 the Hayes windmills for farm pumps was produced and sold. He was now in the production business. Among the other products he developed were pulley blocks, cattle stops and a standard lifter which was used for fencing.  When he retired in 1926, his sons carried on his production business. The Hayes Engineering Works is part of the New Zealand Historic Places Trust. Hayes Engineering Works, at Oturehua, New Zealand

Submitted by: Bernadette Heath, photographer and writer, Janet Webb Farnsworth, writer for "Grandma Needs a Four-Wheel Drive, Adventure Travel for Seniors."  www.grandmaneedsafour-wheel.drive.com

Old Cromwell Town Historic Precinct, South Island, New Zealand

Buried deep in the waters of Lake Dunstan, divers could locate the footings of an old gold town from the 1860's named Cromwell. However,with the need for power in this century a hydro-electric dam was built and old Cromwell was in danger. So the little town was moved to higher ground and reconstructed using original designs and  materials similar to the old main street shops of old Cromwell.

Wild flowers on display at the fused glass artist shop. 

Today, it's a unique heritage attraction with shops and stables for modern day artist and craftsmen to display their wares. The endless creativity of the local talent of Central Otago, can be found here and in other galleries and craft shops through out the valley. There is a cafe for relaxing with a good cup of coffee plus a bakehouse if you need a snack to hold you over. Hollyhocks, roses, irises and many other old world varieties of domestic flowers abound throughout the historic town.  A easy way to start or end your  day.                                                                                                              

Lake Dunstan
Old Cromwell, Galleries of many local Central Otago artist and craftsmen.
www.cromwell.org.nz/

Submitted by: Bernadette Heath, photographer and writer and Janet Webb Farnsworth, writer. of "Grandma Needs a Four-Wheel Drive, Adventure Travel for Seniors."  Web page: www.grandmaneedsafour-wheeldrive.com.