Rotorua

 Rotorua, the adrenalin centre of the North Island.

An art installation in the centre of a round about in Rotorua to recall the story of how fire came to New Zealand.

The entrance to the national park and our planned trek through the forest.

A detail of another entrance to the national park.

Every photographer has to have a picture like this in their portfolio.

Every entrance has to have a maori arch.

Redwoods are not natural to New Zealand but were introduced in the late 19th century onwards as a valuable tree producing quality timber.

In some places, the trail crossed marshy ground and a boardwalk was required.

The outsides of the forest let in the light but the insides were very dark.

A stand of tall timbers

A large fern in the sunlight. 

Not all of the forest was trees such as this small green glade. 

A bubbling mud pool deep in the forest, fenced to protect viewers.

So much for the Secret Place, well sign posted throughout the area. It is a hot mud pool and pa offering but nothing could be seen from the reception. 

A view of the trail through a valley.