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Today's expedition was to the volcanic landscapes of Rotorua which claim to be the youngest volcanic lands in the world (but I'm sure folks in Iceland would challenge this!).
We spent two hours walking through a shattered landscape torn apart by two huge eruptions in 1886 and 1917. Since then nature has taken over to produce a luscious forest of trees and ferns including pungas or as Monty Don would call them tree ferns.
Our walk started high up at the visitor centre and then we descended into valleys and craters created by the volcanic activity. As the heat of the day increased so did the soundtrack of birdsong and insect calls. The smell of sulphur was ever present as we passed boiling springs and large blue lakes. Steam or vapour seeped out of the rocks and created a rather spooky atmosphere.
Our mini tramp finished at a large lake teaming with bird life. We waited with other explorers for the bus to take us back to the visitor centre gift shop and café.
After a refreshing drink we hit the road back to Auckland for a nights stay before catching flight to Christchurch in the south island.
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