Issue 6 • SUMMER 2015
Guysers
Gazette
Rotorua’s rainbow of colour A trip to White Island volcano Dormant geyser now back to life How to tan safely over summer
Nightlife Rotorua style!
Gaystay
Rotorua, New Zealand
s t n e t Con Tourism Nightlife Rotorua style....................................6 Rotorua’s rainbow of colour.......................12 Take a walk on the wild side.......................14 Happy Ewe Cycling Tours.............................18
History History of Tikitere (Hells Gate)...................20
News Dormant geyser springs back to life........22 The birds and the trees.................................23
Rotorua Cuisine Abracadabra Café & Bar...............................24
Health How to tan safely over summer..................28
Recipe Mango Ginger Pash Cheesecake................30
GUYSERS GAYSTAY Hosted B&B for gay men 1406c Pukuatua Street Rotorua, New Zealand
Gaystay
Phone: NZ +64 (0) 21 0298 8093 enquiries@guysersgaystay.com
https://guysersgaystay.com
facebook.com/GuysersGaystayRotorua
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Welcome
edition of our very own Welcome to the summer uysers Gazette”. quarterly e-magazine “G d we are looking forward Summer is here again, an re at Guysers Gaystay to another busy season he both nationally and hosting many more men, taking a holiday break to internationally, who are ce that is Rotorua! check out this amazing pla torua’s excitingly In this issue we feature Ro – and there’s not a ABBA different nightlife scene to be heard! or Village People record tural rainbow of We check out Rotorua’s na geothermal landscapes. colours with its amazing ry of Tikitere (Hells Gate) We learn about the histo and we visit the recently and how it got its name, yser which is now regenerated Papakura Ge ars of being dormant. erupting again after 36 ye e volcano of White Island We take a trip to the activ excursion and tell you on a Pee Jay Tours guided rience we had, and we about the amazing expe around the local sights of take a leisurely bike ride Cycling Tours. Rotorua with Happy Ewe r , mixologist and manage We chat with Cody Jarvie nt in Rotorua, and we of Abracadabra Restaura how to achieve the finish with some tips on tan this summer and how perfect all-over glowing getting burnt. Enjoy! to do this safely without
Peter & Mike New Zealand Guysers Gaystay, Rotorua, Issue 6 • Summer 2015
Summer days are here again Every year over summer the influx of tourists to Rotorua explodes! Here at Guysers Gaystay we are in for our busiest season yet, with our occupancy over the summer months at near full capacity!
Gaystay Rotorua
Running a quality, professional, hosted B&B has been a full-time job. Over the busy summer period we have guests checking out and new guests checking in almost on a daily basis. We have been working like Trojans cleaning rooms and bathrooms, washing and ironing sheets, shopping for food supplies, preparing breakfasts, and doing all the other house work that needs to be done to keep the property looking clean and tidy – not to mention staying on top of our admin, accounting, dealing with bookings and maintaining our website. Once all that work is done the gorgeous hot sunny weather we’ve been having has encouraged us to get stuck into our garden again, to remove and replace any plants that did not survive winter, trim and prune trees, remove any weeds and lay down new bark chips to make the garden look immaculate. We even purchased a new garden statue which we’ve set onto a plinth amongst the plants. Our sub-tropical garden with its Balinese touches around provides a tranquil setting to enjoy a sunbathe and a cool beer.
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for the summer Sprucing up our garden e sunshine too! season and enjoying th
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Change is always a good thing, so we purchased fresh colourful new duvet covers for our guest bedrooms. The masculine stripes provide style and elegance and the fabric is a lovely soft and cool cotton, perfect for summer. We’ve installed a new awning over our side door (that guests can use to access the spa pool and private patio) and built a tiled step to finish the job off.
rs for summer.
New duvet cove
It’s always important to take time out though, so we enjoy heading out in the car with friends exploring parts of Rotorua we have not yet been too. The Rotorua district covers such a large area that after 3 years of living here we are still discovering secluded areas that offer peace and serenity. q
We have several other projects in the pipeline this summer including further interior decorating enhancements, finishing off our boundary fence and the creation of a new curved entrance path and Balinese-style gateway which we have designed on paper, but yet to build. Watch this space!
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Enjoying naturism on a summers afternoon on the northern shores of Otumarokura Bay, La ke Rotoma – perfect for a picnic, a nude sunbathe and a skinny dip.
Issue 6 • Summer 2015
s i a u r o t o R f o l l u f s y alwa ses! surpri
ther sexy) lourful (and ra den co e, v ti a e cr Some very on the woo as appeared h g rest in b m o b yarn e Redwood Fo th to ce n a tr n e otorua. statues at the tion Centre, R a rm fo In r o it i-SITE Vis
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Tourism
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Issue 6 • Summer 2015
Nightlife Rotorua style An evening in Rotorua is like no other experience in New Zealand. Forget noisy sports bars or clubs playing cheesy music. By visiting the following suggested evening attractions you will have memories that will stay with you forever.
Te Puia (Te Po Cultural Evening)
Skyline Rotorua
A ‘Te Po’ cultural evening at Te Puia begins at 4:30pm in the afternoon and goes through to 9pm. The tour begins with a visit to the Kiwi House, a look at Pohutu Geyser (New Zealand’s biggest and most famous geyser), a visit to the National Carving and Weaving Schools (see following page), a traditional welcome onto the Marae (meeting house) where a Māori cultural performance takes place (including your chance to partake in the Haka), the revealing of the hangi food from the cooking pit followed by an extensive hangi and buffet dinner.
No trip to Rotorua is complete without a ride up the Gondola to the Skyline complex located on Mount Ngongotaha.
If your stay in Rotorua is only short we highly recommend the ‘Te Po Combo’ at Te Puia as this will give you a great insight into Rotorua and its geothermal activity, it’s Māori cultural heritage, arts, crafts, song, dance and ingigenous cuisine. Stay with us at Guysers Gaystay and save 10%.
If you go late afternoon you’ll be able to have a few runs down the hill on the Skyline Luge – a world first designed and built in Rotorua! Or have a go on the exciting new 400 metre Zoom Zipline where you’ll soar through the treetops at speeds of up to 80km/h! After an afternoon of exciting thrills, sample the beautiful wines at Volcanic Hills wines and purchase a few bottles to enjoy later. For a memorable dinner with spectacular 180-degree panoramic views of Rotorua City by night, book into the award-winning Stratosfare Restaurant for their extensive buffet or cookedto-order dishes.
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New Zealand Maori Arts & Crafts Institute
Since 1967, the New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute located at Te Puia in Rotorua, has been teaching students from tribes across New Zealand time-honoured traditions that were in danger of being lost forever. At the National Woodcarving School located within Te Puia you can watch students carve beautiful works of art under the guidance of the Master Carvers who pass on the skillful techniques to them. Only Māori men are taught the art of wood carving. Working with native New Zealand timbers the artworks are used throughout New Zealand for Māori meeting houses, are commissioned for community projects, or are gifted to VIP visitors or overseas dignitaries. Māori women on the other hand are taught the ancient art of traditional weaving at the National Weaving School (located opposite the carving studio), where you can witness weavers at work creating flax kete (baskets), floor mats, garments and cloaks using traditional materials including flax and various bird feathers.
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Issue 6 • Summer 2015
Polynesian Spa
Hells Gate Twilight Spa
When you come to Rotorua be sure to go for a hot thermal soak in the mineral pools this area is famous for.
For a totally unique experience head to Hells Gate for an evening soak in the mud baths and sulphur mineral pools (only available in Rotorua).
The Polynesian Spa is a ‘World Top 10 Spa’ (as voted by Conde Nast Traveller) and is located right on the lake front over-looking Rotorua’s beautiful Sulphur Bay. The Polynesian Spa is open daily 8am until 11pm (last bathing entry being 10:15pm). During the summer months its very nice to go for a bathe in the evening at dusk or under the moonlight and stars. There are various bathing options from the super deluxe ‘Lake Spa’, the popular ‘Adult Pools’, the ‘Standard Private Pools (no view)’ or the ‘Deluxe Private Pools (with lake view)’. The water for the communal pools comes from the acidic Priest Spring and the alkaline Rachel Spring. Both have excellent properties for the skin and provide soothing relief for tired muscles, aches and pains. Swimwear must be worn in all communal bathing pools, but nude bathing is permitted in the Private Pools. Spa therapy treatments must be booked well in advance.
The bathing pools pictured have recently been developed and are beautifully landscaped with irregular-shaped pools, boardwalks, large rocks, native plants and mood lighting. The pools overlook the spectacular steaming geothermal scenery of the Hells Gate park. By bathing in these mud and sulphur mineral pools will leave your skin feeling soft, smooth and youthful. The mineral-enriched geothermal mud provides an excellent source of minerals including silica, alumina, magnesium, calcium, iron, titanium, sulphur, phosphorous, sodium and potassium as well as trace elements such as copper, zinc, selenium, cobalt, manganese and molybdenum. All of these minerals are wonderful for detoxifying and purifying the skin, absorbing excess oils from the skin’s pores, and has antibacterial properties for treating various skin conditions from acne to psoriasis. Open until 10pm, bookings essential.
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Mitai Maori Village
Rainbow Springs Kiwi Encounter
An evening at Mitai Māori Village will give you an anuthentic introduction into Māori culture. See warriors in traditional dress paddle a handcarved waka (ancient war canoe) down the Wai-o-whiro stream. Marvel at the crystal clear water full of eels and trout flowing directly from the earth at the sacred Fairy Spring.
Rainbow Springs Kiwi Encounter is located right next door to Mitai Māori Village.
See your traditionally-cooked hangi meal being lifted from the ground which consists of chicken, lamb, pork, stuffing, pumpkin, corn, potato and kumara (sweet potato). At Mitai’s cultural performance you will learn about traditional Māori life, carvings, tattoo art, displays of various weaponry once used in combat, their music and instruments and their customs and traditions performed through song, dance and various games. Be throughly entertained by the grace and beauty of the poi dance performed by Māori women and the spine tingling haka finale performed by the Māori men. Mitai Māori Village is home to Rotorua’s only glow worms in their natural setting seen amongst the bush surrounding the ‘dancing sands’ of the Fairy Spring.
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As well as being home to many species of unique New Zealand flora and fauna, Rainbow Springs is the home of New Zealand’s largest and most successful Kiwi conservation centre. By visiting Rainbow Springs at night (which you can do as a combo ticket with Mitai Māori Village) you’ll get a chance to get up close and personal with the Kiwi birds as they come out to feed and play. Here you can witness the entire process of Kiwi conservation – from egg collection in the wild, incubation, hatching and then raising the Kiwi until they are ready to be released back into the wild. You simply can’t get any closer to kiwi birds than at Rainbow Springs here in Rotorua. If you visit during the day your ticket allows you to return again at night for no additional charge, or if you enter after 5pm you can also come back the following day. Guided ‘behind the scenes’ tours through the Kiwi Encounter depart regularly between 10am and 4pm daily. Bookings are essential. q
Issue 6 • Summer 2015
Rainbow Springs by night, Mitai MÄ ori Village, Rotorua
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Rotorua’s rainbow of colour Named as “One of the 20 Most Surreal Places in the World”, Rotorua’s natural geothermal landscapes are as bright and colourful as a gay rainbow flag! Rotorua has several geothermal valleys where you can witness natural pools or lakes displaying the full spectrum of rainbow colours. Our advice is to do a day combo visiting Waimangu Volcanic Valley and Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland. If you are self-driving you can simply pay separately at each attraction, otherwise there is an organised daily bus tour that departs from the Rotorua i-Site (or pickup from us at Guysers Gaystay) for which both valleys are included in the one price.
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At Waimangu Volcanic Valley you’ll be able to marvel at the brilliant red colour of the tiny Azolla Fern (Red Water Fern) that floats on the surface of a volcanic crater lake creating what looks like red water when viewed from a distance. Visit the stunning Inferno Crater Lake which changes to an intensely sky blue colour at higher lake levels. The Inferno Crater Lake is actually the largest geyser-like feature in the world which rises and falls up to 12 metres following a complicated 38-day cycle that includes an overflow stage.
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At Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland you’ll be totally blown away by the amazing colours of the various pools and springs, each presenting their own mineral makeup or special water qualities that give their unique and vibrant appearance. The Champagne Pool with its bright orange border is a prominent geothermal feature within the Wai-O-tapu geothermal area. The name Champagne Pool is derived from the abundant efflux of carbon dioxide (CO2), similar to a glass of bubbling champagne. The hot spring was formed 900 years ago by a hydrothermal eruption. The colourful orange deposits (metalloid compounds such as orpiment (As2S3) and stibnite (Sb2S3) to be precise) are in sharp contrast to the grey-white silica sinter surrounding the Champagne Pool.
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Other stunningly beautiful pools of colour within Wai-O-tapu include the Sulphur pool with its bright yellow water and rocky banks covered in sulphur deposits. Walking further around the geothermal field you’ll come across The Artist’s Palette, Bird’s Nest Crater, Sulphur Cave, The Oyster Pool, Devil’s Bath and the Black Ink Pots. Before heading back to Rotorua (if you are selfdriving) put on your brightest pair of swimwear and turn heads at the Wai-O-Tapu Hot & Cold Twin Streams or drive around to Kerosene Creek for a swim in the hot thermal water. For more information on these attractions and other geothermal fields in the Rotorua district please refer to our website: https://guysersgaystay.com/geothermal.html q
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Follow me, as I guide you onto New Zealand’s most active volcano – White Island!
dly and One of the frien ides from informative gu land Tours. Pee Jay White Is
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Take a walk on the wild side In the ocean off the coast of Whakatane, sits New Zealand’s most active and rugged marine volcano – White Island! Easily visited as a day trip from Rotorua, an adventure with Pee Jay White Island Tours is an experience you’ll remember for a lifetime. The journey begins with a 49 km boat trip from Whakatane out to Whakaari (otherwise known as White Island). During the 1.5 hour boat trip you may see pods of Killer Whales (Orca’s) and/or dolphins following alongside the boat. As you get closer to White Island you may see seals and Australasian Gannets diving for fish. White Island is actually a large submarine volcano where 70% of the cone is underwater. The highest peak is 321 meters above sea level or 760 meters from seafloor to peak. The Island is over 150,000 years old and has been formed by various eruptions, lava flows and layers of pyroclastic deposits (tephra). A pod of Killer Whales follow the boat off the coast of Whaka tane.
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Sulphur Chimn
Continued... When you arrive at White Island an inflatable dingy transports people onto the jetty. Once everyone has gathered and a safety briefing has been said, your 1.5 hour guided exploration across the crater floor begins. As you walk across the rocky landscape you’ll be guided up to the Sulphur Chimneys. Sulphur gases from the underground magma (lava) form sulphur crystals which eventually build up to form ‘chimneys’. The sulphur crystals form at 94.5° C and produce a rotten egg-like smell. Safety helmets and gas masks are provided while on the island. The masks help you breath more easily as the sulphur gases can irritate the back of your throat and make you cough.
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The Sulphur Chimneys and fumaroles produce a sound like a boiling kettle and emit clouds of steam into the air. Some fumaroles on the island have emitted steam as hot as 900° C ! Sulphur was periodically mined on White Island from 1885 and was used for fertiliser, but in 1914 a large lahar destroyed the first factory and killed all the miners who were living and working on the island. Mining operations ceased in 1933 and remnants of the concrete buildings and corroded machinery remain on the Island. The highly acidic environment corrodes steel and concrete, rots timber, destroys clothes and shoes and can even make your teeth turn black (if you were to stay on the island for months at a time, like the miners did).
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Mud Pots
The highlight of the tour is a look down inside the main crater lake. It is sometimes difficult to see the lake as the emerging steam is so thick and intense. The water in the crater lake is 60 times more acidic than a car battery! This crater is ever-evolving and is constantly monitored with cameras installed by GNS (Geological and Nuclear Sciences). Images of the crater are taken every 15 minutes and are monitored on the mainland. You can even view these images yourself as they are uploaded onto the website www.whiteisland.co.nz On your return back to the jetty you will take a different path to witness the furiously boiling Mud Pots and thermal streams.
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e machinery
Old Sulphur Min
When you are boarded back on the boat a packed lunch is provided and you have time to chat with other passengers before the boat explores a few of the other coves and points of interest including the massive gannet colony that nests on the southern side of White Island. Hold onto your hats as the waves can be choppy, so the boat trip can become an action adventure ride all of its own! For more info on this amazing trip of a lifetime with Pee Jay Tours, visit www.whiteisland.co.nz or enquire and book through us when you stay at Guysers Gaystay in Rotorua. q
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Happy Ewe Cycle Tours See more by bicycle, discover more by bicycle, a journey of Rotorua by bicycle.
Roger, Chie f Shepherd of Happy Ewe Cycle Tours , Rotorua
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Hi! I’m Roger, a Rotorua local and Chief Shepherd of Happy Ewe Cycle Tours, the most interactive cycling experience of Rotorua. Come with me for an easy 7km, 3 hour bike ride of central Rotorua. Wheeling past 27 historical, geothermal and cultural sites you’ll take in the key areas which has shaped the city into the wonderland it is today. With no hills, extensive cycle lanes and super comfortable beach cruiser bicycles, there’s no need to be at your physical peak on this ride. It’s the best way to enjoy the many photo opportunities Rotorua has to offer. Tours depart from under the Rotorua i-SITE clock tower (corners of Fenton and Arawa streets) at 10am and 2pm. Arriving ten minutes early enables me to pair you with a suitable bicycle and helmet before riding to the historical village of Ohinemutu, the birth place of Rotorua. Founded over 650 years ago you’ll enter onto the sacred grounds of Te Papaiouru Marae. There you’ll be introduced to Chief Tamatekapua, learn about the Māori culture and see how every property has a geothermal hot spring in their yard! Continuing onto another highlight of Rotorua, we’ll encounter a foggy, steamy, mysterious mud pool laden area known as Kuirau Park. Nestled in natural swampland it’s a geothermal paradise right in the heart of town. Scientists still have trouble explaining how this area came to be with hot springs, cold springs and mud springs all a matter of meters from each other. Here I’ll tell you the stories Māori used to explain the creation of such a unique and diverse landscape. Upon escaping the mysteries of Kuirau park we’ll encounter the wondrous sights, smells and sounds of Sulphur Point before continuing onto
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the ‘Great South Sea Spa Resort’, now known as the Government Gardens. Be captivated by the ambitions associated with New Zealand’s first major investment into the tourism industry and how Rotorua’s healing waters made it a national treasure. Discover the crazy treatments we inflicted on people to find miracle cures for all sorts of illnesses ranging from arthritis to alcoholism. Before completing your journey of Rotorua, you’ll take part in a classic British sport of lawn bowls – a game designed to bring the best out of anybody while also cleansing the soul at the same time! Happy Ewe isn’t just a cycle tour, it’s an interactive experience between yourself and the wonders of a geothermal city we call home. Included within the tour; a free bottle of water to keep you hydrated, a tasting of some locally made honey and also free photos of your journey to ensure you’ll always remember your experiences here. If you can ride a bike, this place is perfect for you and anyone else who is in the city for a short time looking for a complete overview of Rotorua. With my friendly self as your guide, this is an experience you will enjoy while also remembering the laughs we shared along the way. There’s nothing quite like a Happy Ewe Cycle Tour! q
CONTACT & BOOKINGS Stay and book through us at Guysers Gaystay and receive a 10% discount.
HOT DEAL!
For more info Roger can be contacted on 022 622 9252 or baa@happyewetours.com Want to see more? Check out the website at www.happyewetours.com
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History
This must be the gateway to hell George Bernard Shaw, (picture here, 1934)
History of Tikitere (Hells Gate) Otherwise refered to as “the beast of all geothermal parks”, Hells Gate in Rotorua has a long history and is a site of great importance to the local Māori tribe Ngāti Rangiteaorere who have lived in this area for more than 700 years. Hells Gate was formed approximately 10,000 years ago in a series of geothermal eruptions that drained an ancient lake and formed Lake Rotoiti and Lake Rotorua. The absence of the pressure of the water on top of the rock caused it to create faults from which steam and gases can escape. At less than 2 km below ground, the heat source of this thermal area is shallower than most other thermal areas in the region. Tikitere, the Māori name for the area, is derived from the tragic action of a Māori princess, Hurutini, the young wife of an abusive and shameful chief, who threw
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herself into the boiling hot pool that bears her name today. Hurutini’s mother found her daughter’s body floating in the hot pool and cried out “Aue teri nei tiki” (“here lies my precious one”), which was shortened to ‘Tikitere’ and became the name for the thermal reserve and the surrounding area. The name “Hells Gate” was given to the geothermal reserve by noted Irish playwright, George Bernard Shaw in 1934 who likened the area to the comments that were made by his theologian colleagues back in England who were explaining to him that the result of the error of
his ways as a practising atheist would result in his “going to hell”. What he saw at Tikitere moved him to believe that this would be the gateway to hell. His visit to Tikitere was well received by the local Māori owners of the land and as an honour to note the occasion of his visit, the owners decided that this would be the English name for the geothermal area. A destination spa operated at this site as early as 1871, using sulphurous waters from one of the hot pools and from Kakahi Falls. The Kakahi Falls is the largest hot waterfall in the Southern Hemisphere. Its temperature is approximately 40°C, which is a
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nice hot shower. The falls hold a special place for Māori people, in that they were used by warriors to bathe and cleanse themselves of the blood of battle when they returned. The sulphur in the water was very good in that it acted as a salve to the wounds and scratches that the warriors received at the hands of their enemies. The full name of the falls is ‘O Te Mimi O Te Kakahi’ which is translated into ‘the urine of Kakahi’. The reason behind this name is that like all indigenous people, our Māori warriors knew that urine is also a great salving liquid that you could apply to cuts and wounds when you were not able to come to these falls. Kakahi was a noted warrior of Rangiteaorere hence the name. The other reason why this site is of importance to Rotorua Māori was that the Tohunga or ‘Medicine Man’ for the tribe would bring the new born baby boys to these falls and dedicate the boys to the God of War in a ceremony which was very similar to a Christian Baptism. Today, Hells Gate is a popular tourist attraction offering visitors a unique walk around 50 acres of rumbling and steaming geothermal features. Follow the footsteps of warriors of old through the swirling clouds of steam, past the pool where Hurutini lost her life and walk past the fumeroles and pools of boiling mud so violent they are unnerving! q
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ri warriors This is how the Māo e blood and heal would wash off th s under the their battle wound hi Falls. waters of the Kaka
Pictures: Hells Gate
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1933
Māori women watch th e Papakura Geyser erupting. 1933 .
2015
the Papakura September 2015, life after being Geyser returning to ars. dormant for 36 ye
Dormant geyser News springs back to life The Papakura Geyser which is located in the grounds of Te Puia within the Te Whakarewarewa Valley has remained dormant since 1979 until recently when it burst back into life shooting boiling water up to four metres in the air. In the 1970’s/80’s many homes, hotels and businesses were drawing water from the thermal water table to use as heating. However, once active geysers in the geothermal valley, like the Papakura Geyser and the Waikite Geyser, ceased performing and even the famous Pohutu Geyser was loosing it’s strength too. In order to try and reverse the damage caused by exploitation of the geothermal field and to maintain tourism to Rotorua for its active
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natural wonders, a decision was made in the late 1980’s to close down many of the thermal bores so the geothermal features could have a chance of recovering. In September 2013 the Papakura Geyser started showing signs of some life again with bubbling water and steam emerging from its vent. Since early September 2015 the geyser has entered a new phase of activity where it has been erupting fairly consistently with ever increasing heights which is extremely good news. Scientists are hopeful that the Waikite Geyser, also within the Te Puia grounds, will also come out of dormancy and recover as well which will be of great benefit to tourism in the area. q
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The birds and the trees The Department of Conservation have gone into a 3-year partnership with Rotorua’s Canopy Tours to fully restore the 500 hectares of Dansey Road Scenic Reserve to rid the native forest of destructive pests such as rats, possums and stoats. For the last 2 years the Canopy Tours Conservation Project has been trapping 10% of the Dansey Road Scenic Reserve using single-catch traps to catch the pests that destroy the vegetation and kill the bird life. While the single-catch traps used caught over 1500 animals during this time, they required a lot of labour and many hours work to check, clean and reset. Now, thanks to the endorsement by the Department of Conservation of Canopy Tours vision to completely restore the entire 500 hectares of the Reserve, they have been supplied hundreds of modern gas powered self-resetting automatic traps (pictured). Each of these traps can fire 25 times before
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the gas canister has to be changed. Each unit contains a bait that is very attractive to rats and possums. The traps are attached to the trees and when the head of the pest goes up inside the unit for a sniff its instantly game over! In field trials of the Goodnature traps it was discovered that each unit was killing 5 or more pests per night. During winter 2015, a further 100 hectares of forest has been prepared and it is estimated that a further 1000+ pests will be eradicated by November 2015. The area of the forest where Canopy Tours operates is already looking extremely healthy and the returning bird life is now so tame you can feed the birds from your hands. Brilliant! q
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Rotorua
Cuisine
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Abracadabra Café & Bar We chat with Cody Jarvie, Mixologist and Manager of Abracadabra Café & Bar in Rotorua.
Cody, tell us how you got interested in mixology (the art of making cocktails) My career as a Mixologist was unexpected. When I left highschool I got a full scholarship to pursue the life of a chef. But eight months down the track I made a rash decision to leave. What I didn’t know was that this was going to be the start of a new journey for me. At the age of nineteen I worked in a small hotel bar which gave me the basic knowledge of bartending. It wasn’t until I moved to Wellington that I quickly got the hang of things and mixology became my new found passion.
I applied for a job at a bar that was being built in the basement of the iconic James Smith building in Wellington. I got a role as a bar-back until two days before opening when I got an instant placement to working on the bar. I remember my first time behind the bar. I got handed a two-piece cocktail shaker and a cheat sheet of recipes. From then on I was hooked! I lived in Wellington for two years before becoming home sick, and so I returned to Rotorua, which happened to coincide with my mothers 40th birthday.
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The funky colours of Ab racadabra Café & Bar on Amohia Street, Rotorua.
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Continued... How did your position at Abracadabra Café & Bar come about? My partner at the time, who was already living in Rotorua, informed me that a small restaurant and bar on Amohia Street in the city center was looking for a manager. I scoped the place out, handed in my CV and got the job at Abracadabra Café & Bar. I have been lucky enough to work with the old and new owners and have seen this café blossom into a most beautiful work place and have had the opportunity to have a say in most things when it comes to decision making.
Tell us about your recent achievement In June 2015 I was a finalist in the Rotorua Hospitality Awards (representing Abracadabra Café & Bar) competing for the title of ‘Outstanding Bartender Award’.
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The Blonde Mexican. See Cody’s recipe right .
During the tough competition between three finalists I made my signature cocktail ‘The Blonde Mexican’ which is basically like a passionfruit and chilli margarita with fresh lime. Although I didn’t win 1st place I was very happy with my achievement as one of the top 3 bartenders in Rotorua.
What sort of cocktails do you make at Abracadabra? At the moment I am trying new things like infusing spirits, one being bacon and maple Vodka. It’s like an American Breakfast cocktail consisting of Bacon Vodka, Canadian maple syrup, pineapple juice and a dash of lime all shaken to create the perfect liquid breakfast garnished with a piece of Bees Knees streaky bacon. Sounds weird, but its seriously good! When creating a new cocktail I try to push the boundaries and use things most people
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The Blonde Mexican 30ml Tequila 15ml Triplesec 30ml Passionfruit syrup 1 spoon sliced chilli (no seeds) 4 Lime wedges Ginger Beer In a cocktail shaker add Tequila, Triplesec, passionfruit syrup, chilli and wedges of lime. Slightly muddle as this will release the spice in the chilli and lime juice in the lime. Fill with ice and shake, tip the contents into your serving glass. Top up with ginger beer and garnish with a lime disk and straws.
st ince, knows ju Resident DJ, V e. ib v the perfect how to create
wouldn’t think about using like lavender picked from the garden and freerange egg whites in the ‘Lavandula’.
With a rustic bohemian feel, we are a café by day with a tropical Garden Bar to spend sunny afternoons and a Restaurant & Bar by night.
Tell us why you think Abracadabra Café & Bar is a great place for locals and visitors alike to go to?
Our café draws inspiration from the culinary riches of Mexican and Moroccan cuisine. We offer an extensive range of wholesome delicious homemade cakes and savouries, vegetarian and kiwi style meals, as well as a selection of raw & vegan treats, which vary daily.
We believe in good food and good vibes in a unique, groovy atmosphere. Our mission is to create an environment where guest satisfaction is our highest priority. We are passionate about providing delicious food & drinks, so no matter what your preference is, you’ll love the ambience, friendly staff and magic that creates an excellent dining experience. I envision a sustainable bar at Abracadabra which has already been put into play. We have a herb, fruit and vege garden as well as passionfruit plant growing which we will use when it produces fruit.
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Over summer we will be having a few guest musicians on Friday and Saturday nights as well as our resident DJ, Vince, who mixes music as well as I mix up random cocktails! When in Rotorua come and say hi to myself and the team here at Abracadabra and ask for a cocktail tailored to suit your taste buds. We are located at 1263 Amohia Street, Rotorua. q www.abracadabracafe.com
Guysers Gazette
27
Health How to tan safely over summer When exposed to high UV levels, melanocytestimulating hormone (MSH) is produced by the pituitary gland, which triggers production of melanin – the natural pigment that gives a person their skin colour and protects them from the sun.
layer of the skin and allows for new skin to appear. The less build-up of dead skin cells, the more shallow your layer of skin will be, which will make your tan last longer.
Melanin protects the DNA in skin cells against the damage of UVB rays but it doesn’t mean people should skimp on the sunscreen. Over-exposure to the sun without adequate protection can cause physical changes to your skin such as wrinkles, freckles, age spots, and texture changes (or worse sunburn, which can lead to developing skin cancer). To avoid these effects follow these tips for a healthy summer tan:
Exfoliate your skin To achieve the best possible tan outdoors, you should exfoliate before sun exposure. Exfoliation (using granular shower products available from supermarkets or pharmacies) removes the dead cells from the uppermost
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Guysers Gazette
Issue 6 • Summer 2015
Use sunscreen Contrary to many beliefs, you can still tan with sunscreen, and it’s better that you do. In fact, sun protection factor (SPF) extends the time you can spend in the sun without suffering additional skin damage. Higher SPF numbers therefore provide better protection against ultraviolet B (UVB) “burning rays” , though not always UVA protection. Sunscreens that are labelled “broad-spectrum” can provide protection against both UVB and UVA rays. People with fair skin have low amounts of melanin, which can leave the skin vulnerable to the sun’s carcinogenic UV and cause lobsterred burns on your skin without an appropriate SPF. For those with darker skin, melanin can provide the equivalent of SPF 13.4 compared to 3.4 in white skin, says the Skin Cancer Foundation. However, those with dark skin can still get sunburnt. Apply to your whole body an SPF 15–30 sunscreen before you go into the sun and reapply again 15 to 30 minutes after you have been exposed to the sun. Reapply if you have been in water where your sunscreen could have been washed off, or after towel drying. The earlier you apply your sunscreen once you’re exposed to the sun, the less damage UV rays will do to your skin.
Do NOT over-expose your skin to the sun To get a healthy and glowing tan, do not overexpose your skin to UV rays. It is best to tan gradually by dividing your time under the sun evenly to reduce sunburn. Spending a whole day at the beach may give you a tan look for a day but it may very well leave you with sunburns when you leave. The best way to get a healthy tan is to expose yourself to the sun in small doses. Half an hour to an hour under the sun per day, especially after the lack of sun over winter, will allow your body to produce adequate melanin to aid you the next time you tan outdoors. If you feel you had too much sun exposure in one day, stay
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od to put on a go It’s important our skin en exposing y h w n e re sc n an su d sun. Even on n la a e Z w e N to the t burnt. ou can still ge y y a d st a rc e v o out of the sun for the next day or so to give your skin time to repair. If you look a bit red, calming After Sun products can be used to alleviate this.
Wear a hat and sunglasses To avoid facial aging (such as deepline wrinkles due to over-exposure to the sun and from constant squinting) it is wise to wear a widebrim hat to protect your ears, eyes, forehead, nose, and scalp. Although a baseball cap looks good, it only offers protection in the front and the top of the head, leaving the neck and ears vulnerable to excessive sun exposure. Buy yourself a good pair of sunglasses that will protect your eyes from damaging UV rays and prevent you from constant squinting. q
Guysers Gazette
29
Recipe Impress friends with this easy cheesecake recipe
Mango Ginger Pash Cheesecake This deliciously tropical cheesecake is a perfect summer treat to share with friends.
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Base: 1 1/2 cups Coconut Krispie biscuits (crumbed) 1 1 /2 cups ground almonds 100g (4oz) butter, melted
Method:
Filling: 3 tsp gelatine 1/4 cup caster sugar 3/4 cup cream 2 x 425g (15oz) cans mangos in juice, drained 1/4 cup finely chopped crystallised ginger
Wash food-processor bowl and blade to remove crumbs.
Topping: Passionfruit (fresh or jar) or kiwifruit
Pour into prepared chilled base and place back into the fridge for 4-5 hours.
Guysers Gazette
In a food-processor add the biscuits and almonds and blitz to a crumb. Remove from food-processor and place crumb mixture into a bowl. Add the melted butter and combine evenly. Press into a 23-25cm spring-form ring tin. Place into the fridge to chill. Heat gelatine and water in a small pot and stir well to dissolve. Place into food-processor bowl with the cream cheese, caster sugar, cream and half of the drained mangos. Process until smooth. Loosely chop the remaining drained mangos into randomsized pieces and gently fold into cream cheese mixture along with the finely chopped crystallised ginger.
Decorate with passionfruit or kiwifruit. q
Kiwi Experience New Zealand
Issue 6 • Summer 2015
q
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Nudist, Naturist, Naturism, Gay, Naked, GoNaked
Issue 6 • Summer 2015