Rotorua
From the Coromandel Peninsula we journeyed to Rotorua. Rotorua is a very geothermal active area. Hot springs and geothermal areas abound. The area is also where the Maori people settled because of the geothermal activity. They used the hot springs for many things as well as to cook their food.
The majority of our time there was exploring some of the many geothermal areas of the region.
Kuirau Park
Kuirau Park is located in the heart of Rotorua. It has been used by both the Maori and the Pakeha people.
Wai-O-Tapu
No surprise but on our first full day in Rotorua we started out by venturing to a highly recommended geothermal park, Waiotapu. It did not disappoint. First stop was Lady Knox Geyser. She erupts every morning around 10:15.
After the show we walked the trails of the park. We viewed a variety of spectacular geothermal structures and pools. Some of the most memorable were the Champagne Pool, the Artist's Palette and Roto Karikitea. The park was well maintained, immaculate and very informative.
Mitai Maori
Rotorua was an area where large concentrations of Maori settled. The geothermal springs allowed them to cook their food, heat their homes and bathe. Since we were interested in learning a bit more about the culture we decided to attend a cultural experience at Mitai Maori cultural village. We enjoyed a meal prepared traditionally in a Hangi Pit (earth cooked food), entertained with traditional songs, dances and a "Haka" Maori war dance, and learned of the history of the area.
Okepe Falls, Soda Springs and The Redwoods
Our second full day was packed with activities. We started the day by driving up to Okepe Falls. The falls actually consists of a series of three falls. It is a favorite destination for rafters, kayakers and has a great zipline. After viewing some of these activites, we wished we had another day to participate! Next trip.
Soda Springs
Of course when visiting a geothermal area one absolutely has to visit a hot springs bath! The earth's natural hot tub on steroids. You not only get the benefits of the thermal springs, but the waters are generally loaded with beneficial and healing minerals, soaking away your aches and pains.
Soda Springs was recommended by our beautiful host Amerents. It is off the beaten path, intimate, not advertised and not expensive. It delivered on all accounts.
I have been to a number of different hot springs venues and I would rank this up there with the best.
Stubby and I were the only ones there.
It was a little slice of natural heaven.
There were two hot springs feeding the pool, so you could find the perfect temperature.
We were the only ones there. Oh, did I say that already? worth repeating.
Rotorua is home to a large tract of California redwoods planted about 150 years ago. The night walk travels across many bridges high above the ground traveling from tree to tree. The platforms provided an historical timeline of forestry practices and forestry research in New Zealand over time. It was very interesting and worth the time.
Leaving Rotorua for Napier
Our original plan to travel to Napier along the beautiful Rainforest highway was thwarted by the horribly inclement weather the area had been experiencing. Slips and road washouts along the way made traveling almost impossible. One long stretch of the highway was posted max speed of 30 km/h (18.6 mph) with stoplights. Travel was not recommended. Boo-hoo. The rainforest route looked spectacular, so I guess we'll have to come back another time to explore that area.
So we scratched our heads to figure out what we could do for a half a day before leaving for Wellington. So what did we do? We golfed!!! Yes. Stubby and I golfed in New Zealand. Golfing on another continent. So 2 down, I'm not sure how many to go because I don't remember New Zealand listed as a continent when I was in grade school. It was warm and sunny and there were geothermal features on the course.
Way to go golfing!
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