Checked out of the motel where we had been staying for the past two days in Rotorua, and the first stop we made on our way out was at the Buried Village. Located a little on the outskirts of Rotorua, we got there exactly on their opening time, so it was rather quiet as there were no one else but us.
Largely a self walking tour, we got a peek at how the people lived about 200 hundred years ago, and also learning bits and pieces of history which revolved around this village named Te Wairoa which was buried when the Mount Tarawera erupted. A hotel which was also built on the grounds, which served many tourists who came from afar to visit the pink and white terrace were also destroyed in the eruption, but parts of it were excavated after many years.
Among all the stories told, personally I found the most interesting part was the sighting of the phantom Maori warriors in a war canoe on the lake where no one had seen them before, right before the disaster. According to eyewitnesses, the warriors slowly shifted from a human form into dog-headed ones, which was a sign that disaster is on its way.
Leaving the sites, we followed a trail along a quiet stream which led us to a beautiful waterfall. It was indeed quite a bit of a climb, but the view from above was rewarding.
Finding ourselves back at the entrance after the waterfall, decided to take a needed break from the hike by indulging ourselves with some English scones and hot chocolate with marshmallows.
Ended our tour of Rotorua, and headed back up North. We had originally intended to head to Waitomo for the glowworm caves, but we made a wrong turning and soon found ourselves on the road back to Hamilton. A last-minute change of plans were made, and we headed to Matamata in search of Hobbiton. Signs were scare but eventually we managed to find our way there among the endless hills which grazing sheep.
As we had some time before the next tour, had breakfast for lunch at The Shires Rest. Food was absolutely yummy! Soon the bus came round to pick us all up for the tour. The Hobbit’s village was hidden away between the folds of the hills, but it was actually impressive to be able to see it up close.
Also, the houses were so small! Took a peek inside but there were no Hobbits in there.
Most of the explanation done by our guide is almost the exact same one which can be found on their website. At the time of our visit, the filming for movie ‘The Hobbit’ was due to begin soon, but they themselves were also unsure when it was supposed to start, but already certain equipments have already started arriving at the site.
Ended our Hobbiton tour with yet another lamb shearing demonstration. This time, I got to feed the baby lambs who seemed to be forever hungry!
Made our way back to Hamilton and decided to visit their international garden, which recreated gardens from all around the world before ending our day with a night’s stay there.
この長い旅で 