We’ve been in Rotorua now for a couple of days. We called Stray (the tour company) to book our bus out of here, but unfortunately we can’t get out until the 7th. No worries though. I actually really like it here. You do get used to the smell, though sometimes you’ll get a whiff and Read More »
Rotorua Lake is practically unusable. According to the literature 50 years ago this lake was crystal clear and a paradise for birds and people. Fast forward to today and you find an algae-clogged murky body of water done in by modern farming practices. There is an effort underway to clean the lake, but it will Read More »
Rotorua Lake is practically unusable. According to the literature 50 years ago this lake was crystal clear and a paradise for birds and people. Fast forward to today and you find an algae-clogged murky body of water done in by modern farming practices. There is an effort underway to clean the lake, but it will Read More »
We woke up early, as usual, allowing me time to become once again numbed and appalled by morning TV shows in UK-related countries. During the show, the host spilled coffee on herself and showed us all some muffins one of the crew had baked for her. On another show, the hosts openly mocked the guest, Read More »
Today began with an 8am departure south via the Southern Motorway through the sprawling suburbs of South Auckland and Manukau City. We crossed the Bombay Hills, an area known for its light volcanic soil and market gardening. Then, we headed east towards Ngatea and Paeroa. A quick stop at the Wilderness Gems factory, River Road, Read More »
For those of you that don’t know New Zealand is a hot bed for activity. Not just adventure activities like bungee jumping, but geothermal activities as well. Rotorua is essentially one massive geothermal park. This area of the north island sits in the crater of an old volcanic eruption, giving rise to many bubbling mud Read More »
Set off from Raglan via the Waitomo glow worm caves, very cold and lots of stalactites and stalagmites as well as the glow worms!!! Arrived in Rotorua and Rosie met me, strange to think we hadn’t seen each other since 1982.!!! Met up with Keith at the house and later Liza and Brent came to Read More »
An early rise, quick breakfast, followed by picking up Amy, and we were off- leaving the wonders of Waitomo behind us. Due to the car only having two doors, and the immense amount of baggage we had, all that could be seen in the back of the car was luggage, and two heads….just. Clare and Ruth Read More »
Day 19: Stephanie, we ain’t in Pennsylvania anymore! Our drive to Taupo took us to thermal areas and volcanoes. This is a very active geologic area, where the Pacific and Australian plates meet. That means active volcanoes, geysers, boiling mud, and lots and lots of steam everywhere. This drives not only tourism, but also power Read More »
