The lake itself is named after a Maori tribal leader and different aspects of the lake represent the leader. I love the idea that the white caps on the waves represent the feathers on his cloak and that the one wall of white is the collar.
These carvings done around the time I was born in the 80s are a reproduction of a wood carving of Tia’s face. It was pretty rocky so I wasn't outside long but that in itself shows how amazing the carvings are.
The mountain looks like a pregnant lady on her back - you can see it if you think hard and "read" the image right to left.As terrible as it sounds I have to say how constantly amazed I am at how little some tourists think of others, either locals or fellow travelers. On the cruise the whole time the guide was taking us through some of the local legends these two girls sat and talked. One is forgiven as she didn't have very strong English, it was a 4hr cruise so she may not have been able to understand but the American student with her was just showing off. It was obvious she had some history of the Maori culture and that is great that she took such interest but on a cruise with a tour guides not the time to share it. And if you must share please be aware that others around you are not interested. It is really important as a tourist that you consider those around you and try as best you can not to ruin other people's holidays by being the worst stereotype of your country. Ok yes, these ladies were not the first to do this, its just harder to escape them on a cruise ship.
After the cruise we headed out to see the Huka Falls, the water is ice blue and just races through the little gap that is that part of the river.
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