Rotorua, NZ

After Hahei and HWB, we drove straight down along the cheesily named "Thermal Explorer Highway" of the North Island towards Rotorua. This place is famous for its thermal activity and strong Maori heritage. There are several parks were you can see thermal activity up close and personal (and smell that damn rotten-egg smell of the sulphur pools and deposits. First up was a visit to Te Whakarewarewa thermal reserve (full name: Te Whakarewarewa o te Ope Taua a Wahiao which means "The Gathering Together of the War Party of Wahiao.. pfeww!). The main attraction is the Pohutu geyser and of course some bubbling mud pools, sulphur lakes, etc. Just look at the pics to get a good idea.

We also went to a place called Hell's Gate were we again explored a thermal reserve but also got the chance to dabble in some of the mud in their worldfamous spa (which were just concrete basins with mud and mineral baths but an experience nonetheless). I think we still have mud coming out of all our bodily cracks and it wasn't probably the best idea for Chel's bladder as she was just recovering. On top of this, we also went to Te Puia which is yet another thermal park full smelly activity and bright colours you would normally only see in your Chemistry books from high school. They also factored in some Maori cultural exhibits and shows but we already had a great share of this when we visited the "Mitai" Maori Village (see Mitai post).

Finally, about Rotorua itself, there's nothing really to mention. They have some famous spas but everything is very small (even smaller then Mestreech) and closes early. However, before leaving Rotorua, Sois still wanted to "Zorb" (for those interested, just type "zorb" into google.com") but the wind was too strong and he didn't want to take the "pansy" alternative (not the he would go bungy or anything anyways). Finally, from this thermal and foul-smelling wonderland, we headed on to a place called Taupo. And what happened there, lieve kijkbuiskindertjes, you will get to know in another post...