NZ Road Trip #3: Rotorua

Next stop - Geothermal Paradise

With a huge hungover after trying out different shots at the hostel's bar, we hit the road on Sunday as early as we could to make our way to Rotorua.

We arrived just on time to leave our stuff at the hostel (this time, Base Rotorua) and take a look at what was surrounding us. When getting near to the city, the smell of the air is suspicious - it reminded us of rotten eggs. At the time we got nearer to the bubbling mud pools, we were so amazed that we (almost) forgot about the rotten eggs. The hostel was 2 min walk from a public geothermal park - Kuirau Park - which is still very active: the latest eruptions just took place around 7 years ago!

At sunset we decided to try out the Polynesian Spa, which offers several different hot spring pools. Its worth to pay the entry fee to enjoy the afternoon view over Lake Rotorua. I would have taken pictures, but it was too confi in the hot pools :)

The next day we headed south to another geothermal park called Waimangu (where I took the pictures above). This is a protected Scenic Reserve and Wilflife Refuge. We didn't want to go to some typical touristic attraction - and this was definitely the best alternative. Upon arrival, you get a map with some short clarifications to each number pointed out in the map. We barely met other people on our way which made us appreciate much more the sounds of nature. I know, this must sound quite weird - but I swear, the sound of bubbling mud and hot sulphuric water got me hypnotized....