To recover from any remaining jet-lag, after settling in we headed to Rotorua, one of the north islands largest tourist destinations, a small city on the Taupo volcanic zone. It’s a huge geothermal area, with mineral pools and hot spas.
After a stroll around part of the lake itself, taking in some of the wildlife and the scent of rotten eggs (from the hydrogen sulphide);our first stop is the Polynesian Spa, we’re treated to seven open-air hot mineral pools all with beautiful lake-side views. It’s very peaceful, we’re appreciating the ‘adults only’ policy before the baby comes along!
Andy indulges in some relaxation...
Before making our way back to the hotel, we take in the history of the Government gardens (almost like a mini England: bowling green and manicured lawns) and Rotorua Museum.
Clare poses on the government lawns...
It’s a short walk through the ‘city’ back to our hotel, the Regent, run by ‘stylish’ couple Daryn and Bret – our first taste of New Zealand glamour
Invigorated from our spa experience we make our way to ‘Wai-O-Tapu’, the largest area of thermal activity in the Taupo volcanic zone. It’s an amazing experience. The whole area covers collapsed craters, boiling pools of mud, water and steaming fumaroles. Unbelievably, most of them are almost touchable, so relaxed are NZ’s health and safety standards. Our favourite is easily the ‘Champagne pool’, at 65m in diameter and 62m deep and multicoloured from the different mineral elements, it’s a magical sight.
Sulphur Cave
The scared track
'Frying pan flats' (eruption crater with hot springs and fumaroles)
Completing our trip home, we travelled through ‘Bethlehem’, its a bit early for the baby just yet
Another hard weekend in New Zealand!
NEXT WEEK... LOOK FORWARD TO ANDY'S SURFING POST...YOU WILL LAUGH!
NEXT WEEK... LOOK FORWARD TO ANDY'S SURFING POST...YOU WILL LAUGH!
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