Rotorua

JUNE 2019

Falls, Mud Pools & Luge

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

MORE ABOUT ROTORUA:

Rotorua is 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. Oh, and for a smell similar to “rotten eggs” (due to the hydrogen sulphide emissions).

HUKA FALLS:

We 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 – you realise quickly that this is tourist paradise.

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 decided not to buy tickets as it was already late afternoon and just way too cold!

A jet boat at the foot of the Huka Falls

On the foot bridge 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 one can visit (which is free). We visited one of these natural thermal pools and found it to be quite popular. And although it was cold, there were many people enjoying 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 photos:

Of our 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 sickness? It was during the evening, so the photos wouldn’t do justice to these amazing trees – that’s my excuse anyway.

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 hey, one can also see them very clearly from the ground!

Have a look at www.treewalk.co.nz … there are beautiful photos.

WAI-O-TAPU THERMAL WONDERLAND:

The next day, we 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 performance of the well-known Lady Knox – this 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 and only a little bit of steam came out and we thought “Oh, is this now it?”

Lady Knox start to erupt after being induced

But then, after a while, a powerful eruption took place and we all got soaking wet!

That’s a proper eruption

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 took 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

Do not stumble here

We enjoyed a wonderful day with our friends

A steamy affair

It was quite hot – we could almost took off our jackets

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

Colorful and beautiful shaped rock formations

The lime-green lake at the end of our walk

More beautiful colours in Wai-O-Tapu

The end of the pathway

As we left Wai-O-Tapu, we saw a road turning off to more bubbling mud pools. This time, there was no entrance fee and we took a walk to see more of these pools.

Mud pools outside Wai-O-Tapu

ROTORUA LUGE:

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

We took the gondola up to the top of the mountain … with my eyes shut until half-way up, I slowly opened 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 car drivers down the mountain, but I was more like “Driving Miss Daisy”. Under normal circumstances I’m a very responsible driver (and now I also realised I’m no Formula One racing driver)!

On the luge down the mountain!!

When I got to the finishing line and realised how I have to get back to the top of the mountain, I decided my luge adventure was over!

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

The “back-up team” arrived and one of the drivers came and fetch me with his 4×4 and took me all the way back up the mountain – now, that was quite fun!

After all the adventures, we sat on the terrace and looked over Rotorua – although my fear of heights were 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 actually enjoyed the view.

The luge track with Rotorua in the background

We arrived back in Gulf Harbour late that Sunday evening after a jam-packed weekend filled with new experiences and lovely memories!

We’ve saved the best for last! If you want to read about our wine tasting adventure on Waiheke Island, you can click here.