EXPLANATION OT THE MAPS. 
48 
From Kawhia, 1 took a tour inland to the Mokau district. 
Penetrating through numerous primitive forests, and traversing 
large mountain chains, 1 passed the springs of the Wanganui 
River in theTuhua district, and on the 14th of April, our party 
arrived at the majestic Lake Taupo, which is surrounded by 
the grandest volcanic scenery, and is situated 1250 feet above the 
level of the sea. Here I was in the heart of the country, at the 
foot of the steaming volcano, Tongariro,and its now silent neigh¬ 
bour Ruapahu, 9,200 feet high, covered with eternal snow. On 
the Southern side of the Lake is a Mission Station, where 1 
received the kindest hospitality, and my Maori companions 
were entertained in Maori fashion in the neighbouring Pa 
Pukawa by the great chief Te ILeuheu. After I had sketched 
the plan of the Lake, and examined the numerous hot springs 
on its borders, X started from the sources of the Waikato River 
flowing from that Lake, and followed the most interesting chain 
of boiling springs, solfataras, and fumaroles, which are situated 
in a North-Easterly direction between the active crater of 
Tongariro and the island volcano of Whakari or White Island, 
on the East Coast. The Lake neighbourhood is situated in the 
line where the ngawhas and puias of New Zealand (that is, the 
boiling fountains and geysers, where silicious stalactites form 
terraces of basins) reach their most magnificent development 
near the Rotoiti and Rotomahana Lakes. X consider the 
hot springs in this district the most remarkable, and, next 
to Iceland, the largest in the world. 
In the beginning of May, I reached the East Coast near 
Maketu, Tauranga Harbour. Hence I went inland to the Waiho 
valley, or the valley of the Thames of New Zealand, and 
arrived at Maungatautari again at the Waikato. I wandered 
through the fruitful fields of the.Middle Waikato b asm, by 
Kangiawliia, the centre of the Maori settlement, and paid a 
visit to the Maori King Potatau Te Wherowhero, at his 
residence Ngaruawahia, at the confluence of the Waikato and 
Waipa, and returned by the Waikato, to Maungatawhiri, at 
the end of May, on my way to Auckland. 
The result of this expedition, extending over three months, 
was in every respect satisfactory ; the favourable state of the 
weather lessened many of the difficulties which travelling 
through swampy rivers and the almost impassable New Zealand 
