Geothermal Energy and the Power of the Earth – Tauranga & Rotorua
A favourite stop on my trip to New Zealand was Tauranga in the Bay of Plenty, the gateway to the geothermal wonders of Rotorua.
Anyone who knows me well, is aware that alongside my studies in anatomy, mind-body therapies, business and journalism, I’m also a science and volcano enthusiast.
So visiting this region was fascinating!
Rotorua sits within an active geothermal valley where the earth releases enormous energy through geysers, bubbling mud pools and steam vents.
At Te Puia, within the Te Whakarewarewa Geothermal Valley, we saw spectacular geysers erupting and steaming vents rising from the ground.
Being close to active volcanoes, there are approximately 500 pools and 65 geyser vents.
The earth here is alive with movement and power.
Watching these natural processes reminded me how powerful natural forces are, and how important it is to respect them.
It is similar to the innate healing power that our own bodies and minds have to facilitate a return to wellness and normal function given the right environment and quality support.
That’s why I specialise in providing premium body and mind therapies to assist my clients.
During our visit we were also mindful of the recent landslides at Welcome Bay and Mount Maunganui which sadly took eight lives earlier this year.
Our bus driver mentioned that the local communities still warmly welcome visitors because they are proud of the beautiful land in which they live and tourism is vital to many families in the region.
Of course, places like Rotorua are also rich in culture.
Te Puia is home to the New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute which offers traditional Maori welcome and cultural dancing singing plus schools younger Maoris in the woodwork and handicrafts. An amazing bonus is the Kiwi Conservation Centre where I was lucky enough to see “live” both an adult kiwi and a baby.
The experience was a powerful reminder that nature, culture and science are all deeply interconnected.
For our own wellbeing, spending time in natural environments, especially powerful landscapes like geothermal areas, mountains or oceans, often helps the human nervous system settle, reset and recalibrate.
Nature has an incredible ability to restore peace and perspective. It is also a powerful regulator of stress.