NEW ZEALAND (13)

By wetanddustyroadsJune 12, 2020

ROTORUA

JUNE 2019

FALLS, MUD POOLS & LUGE

Our time in New Zealand was almost at an end and our friends suggested that we visit Rotorua with them over a weekend.

MORE ABOUT ROTORUA:

Rotorua is about 230km from Auckland and is a major destination for both domestic and international tourists. It is known for its geothermal activity, and features geysers, bubbling hot mud pools and thermal springs … and for a smell similar to “rotten eggs” (due to the hydrogen sulphide emissions).

HUKA FALLS:

We’ve booked the Saturday night into a hotel in the center of Rotorua and only had time (and money) to visit a couple of places … it is quite expensive to participate in the activities in Rotorua … one can see that they cater for tourists.

Our first stop was at the Huka Falls, which are a set of waterfalls on the Waikato River that drains Lake Taupo.

Upstream from the Huka Falls, the Waikato River narrows into a canyon

There was a jet boat with passengers on the river performing all kinds of tricks – apparently it is half an hour of thrills, fun and excitement … we’ve decided not to buy tickets … it was already late afternoon and just way too cold!

A jet boat at the bottom of the Huka Falls

On the foot bridge right at the top of the falls

NATURAL THERMAL POOLS:

There are spa’s and wellness centers close to Rotorua with beautiful, sparkling thermal pools (which cost a pretty penny) … and then there are natural thermal pools in nature (without paying a cent). We’ve visited one of these natural thermal pools and found it to be quite popular … although it was cold, there were a lot of people bathing in the pools.

The hot geothermal waters were hailed for their healing properties and as cures for ailments such as arthritis and rheumatism

Some people were sitting inside the thermal pools, while others just had their feet in the hot water

No bathing costumes … but we did put our feet in the water … and it was really nice

VISIT TO REDWOODS TREEWALK … and no photo’s:

Of the next excursion, I have no photo’s … we’ve visited he Redwoods Treewalk in Rotorua … with a staggering 23 suspension bridges!!! Now, you remember my fear of heights and motion …?

So, the only 2 things I can say about this:

I’m glad it was during the evening and therefore dark!
The 115-year-old redwood trees are stunning … but one can also see them very clearly from the ground!

Go and have a look at www.treewalk.co.nz … there are beautiful photo’s …

WAI-O-TAPU THERMAL WONDERLAND:

The next day, we’ve headed out to Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland. It is just a short drive from Rotorua and an area in which the landscape has been sculptured by geothermal activity and where unique features can be viewed from good designed tracks.

But first we had to watch the well-known Lady Knox – the geyser is induced to erupt daily at around 10:00 by dropping some “powder” into the opening of the vent.

We are waiting for Lady Knox to start with her “performance” …

Lady Knox geyser – named after Lady Constance Knox, the 2^nd daughter of Uchter Knox, 15^th Governor of New Zealand

At first, the eruption was not that spectacular … only a little bit of steam came out and we thought that was it …

Lady Knox start to erupt after being induced

But then, after a while, a powerful eruption took place … and we all got wet 😆

Now … that’s a proper eruption!

OK yes … maybe Lady Knox is a bit “man-made” and artificial (however, I’m not sure I want to be close by when the real thing happens), but it was nonetheless special to see.

After our visit to Lady Knox, we went for a walk over to the ever active “mud pools” in Wai-O-Tapu.

Steam rising from the thermal waters in Wai-O-Tapu

We’ve taken the self-guided walk – the tracks are well laid out – to see the bubbling mud. There is a wide range of amazing thermal areas to see, which was great.

On tour through Wai-O-Tapu

Don’t trip here ….

We’ve enjoyed this day with our friends

This is a steamy affair … 🤪

It was quite hot – we could almost take off our jackets!

It was amazing to see so many colors in one area – we’ve taken a lot of pictures! Although the smell was at times overwhelming (that “rotten-egg” smell), it was a beautiful walk and wonderful to see all these things I’ve never experienced before.

Colorful and beautiful shaped rock formations

The lime-green lake at the end of our walk

More beautiful colors in Wai-O-Tapu

At the end of the pathway

As we’ve left Wai-O-Tapu, we saw a road turning off to more bubbling mud pools. This time, entrance was free and we’ve walked around these pools to take more photo’s.

Mud pools outside Wai-O-Tapu

ROTORUA LUGE:

We were now on our way back home … but first our friends insisted we need to have a visit to the Rotorua Luge (Skyline Rotorua). This is an adventure center with a gondola, luge tracks, a high-adrenaline swing and zip-line … and yes, for sure height was involved again … 😨

We took the gondola up to the top of the mountain … I’ve kept my eyes closed until half-way up and then quickly open them to see the beautiful panoramic view of Rotorua …

In the gondola – on our way to the top of the mountain

We bought three passes each to take the luge down the mountain. Berto, Werner and Pearl went like real racing drivers down the mountain … but I was more like “Driving Miss Daisy” … normally I’m a very responsible driver and now I’ve also realised I’m no Formula One racing driver!

On the luge down the mountain!!

When I got down to the finishing line and realised how I will need to get back up the mountain … I’ve decided my luge adventure ended right there!

Back up with these open swings … NOT A FRICKEN CHANCE!

I’ve called the “back up team” and one of the drivers came and fetch me with his 4×4 and took me all the way back up the mountain 😌.

After all the adventure, we sat on the terrace and looked over Rotorua – although my fear of heights was tested properly over the weekend, it was quite an enjoyable outing.

After a few glasses of wine, the trip down the mountain in the gondola was much better and I’ve actually enjoyed the view 😅😅.