Blogs from Rotorua, North Island, New Zealand, Oceania - page 86

The weather today is cold and lightly raining, so we slept in for the first time on this trip. We wanted to go to the Rotorua tourism office and museum so we dressed in our rain jackets and headed out. Everything we need here is only a few blocks away. Michael has done really well on selecting motels that are within walking distance of all our needs. We are both enjoying the no car lifestyle and with all the walking we don’t have to make time to work out. We went to the tourism office, which also serves as their DOC information office and Michael asked about Tongariro Crossing walk in Taupo. We have been concerned about it since the weather is so cool. The lady at the DOC said that there was snow at higher ... read more

On arriving at Waitomo we checked in to the Juno hall backpackers hostel and then, after a quick bite to eat, headed out in the dark with our torches for a short walk in the nearby Ruakuri valley to see a glow worm area. Amazing little creatures that use a chemical reaction to produce light (to lure their prey). Somehow we managed to dodge the showers (Andy still doesn't believe that we miss the showers because of my Irish luck) and returned to the hostel for a dose of Fawlty Towers(not our choice of video but as funny as always). The following morning we were booked in for the Black Abyss tour of the Ruakuri caves. We'd heard that water levels were nearing the safety cut off level the day before and after heavy overnight rain ... read more

We leave Auckland early and stop at the Waitomo Caves along the way. The rain makes it impossible for us to go completely through the caves, but we can take a boat in far enough to see the glowworms in the grotto, then back out again. The glowworms are an impressive sight. The bus driver drops us right at the door to our motel, I call Vince & Dee and they say they will get back to us on when we can get together. We walk a few blocks into town for dinner and ate at a cute pub called the Pheasant Plucker. When we return we have a message from Vince & Dee. Dee tells me that they are going to arrange for us to go to the Tamaki Heritage Center and dinner on Sunday. ... read more

since our last installment we have been far and wide, venturing first to waikaremoana where theres a beautiful lake and the only remaining undeveloped/logged areas on N island. did lots of walking and saw some fantastic waterfalls. from there went to the mahia peninsula. beachy outcrop, where there was a fantastic sunset. we then went on into gisbourne. quite dull town so we spent the minimum of time there. then we headed for the most remote part of the NI known as the east cape (more imaginative naming). this area is mostly maori - saw a couple of "marae's" - meeting houses/community hall impressively decorated with hand carvings. went 21km down a rough track on a cliff edge and got to the most eastern point of NZ - the first place the sun rises of each ... read more

Right today no more pansy rapids - we booked onto a grade 5 expedition with Kaituna cascades - including 2 waterfalls one 8metres high. Much more adrenaline with this raft though only lasting 50 mins. We lost one of our crew on one of the waterfalls but thankfully caught up with her downstream - a fantastic experience which only left me wanting more! Rob then tandem kayaked down the same water - i camcordered trekking by foot through the forrest - awesome and something special - a must do !The guides were great and v. experienced - competing abroad in rafting competitions. Got some great action photos - see below. Rob - Rafting day was very wet and cold but we still ventured on to a fantastic ride lasting a good 50mins. From the word go ... read more

Well, spa was fully booked, so am having one early tomorrow morning, nice full body massage! So instead tonight I have just seen Bay of Plenty Steamers vs North Harbour at the the Rotorua International Rugby Stadium (If you can call it a stadium) It's mainly terraces with one main stand. Was an amazing match, got to see Jonah Lomu acting as 'Water Boy' for his team (Harbour). Also, No one told me I was supporting the relegation/foot of the table strugglers! BOP are one place off the foot of the table! Arrive in Auckland tomorrow, circuit complete except for Bay of Islands.... read more

Arrived in Rotorua early today, as was only a short trip up from Taupo. Having checked in to Base Backpackers (NOT Hotrocks this time), went off to see the Rainbow Springs which, incidentally were really really nice, got given a headset of information to listen to and got to see lots of native birds, and also the Turatara! After that I travelled up to agrodome with Courtney and we did a farm tour, got to see lots of sheep(!), and feed some alpaccas (have I spelt that right?). We also got to taste some kiwifruit wine (dry but sweet really bizarre but nice), and some honey which were both produced on site. Then to end our tour we saw some more sheep and....................ran over one! Total accident sheep had got itself between tractor and trailer while ... read more

Had an awesome morning going round Wai-o-tapu thermal wonderland. The colours were amazing, a totally worth it experience! The Lady Knox Geyser was also very worth it too, shooting about 20m into the air. Am hoping to try and add some more pictures soon, but need to find a computer that will allow me to upload direct from my camera. :( Going to book my Spa soon!... read more

HAHAHAHA what a great day out at the Agrodome - the "rough guide" promised performing sheep and that's exactly what we got! Although kinda tongue in cheek, it's well worth a visit and do the combo as you get to visit a working Kiwi farm and learn about the different breeds of sheep etc. Also, and possibly the highlight was you get to sample Kiwi Wine - yum yum yum!!!! Sheep show was really funny though and was made more amusing by the hoardes of chinese who were helpless with laughter at the sheep misbehaving :o) Following the Agrodome we decided to head back to Napier to spend another night on the beach :o)... read more