The Big Stink

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Rotavegas

Our travellers have arrived in Rotarua, which Sue has aptly named Rotastinky what with the smell of rotten eggs hanging in the air the whole time. This is part of New Zealand's volcanically active region and just by the road there are bubbling pools of volcanic mud, drains by the road have steam coming out of them, the campsite has it's hot water heated from a thermal vent, etc. All a bit freaky.

There are many activities on offer here but all Tim and Sue have energy for after the caving yesterday is a bit of white water rafting. Rotarua is home to a 7m drop waterfall, which is the highest one you can raft in the world. There isn't much to the rafting option they go for - it's a fairly short affair featuring only a few falls, though it does include the big one. After a bit of tuition (Sue's an excellent paddler) they're off being the only people in their boat apart from the guide, followed by another boat fully packed with punters.

Needless to say, there's a lot of whooping over the first couple of falls which are just enough to get into the spirit of things before the biggie. After a bit of psyching-up - it's time to go for it. Over the top (wow, that's quite high, actually) and... a big splash later and they've made it without capsizing. Nice work. Not so lucky are the other boat who don't have the most... adept of crew. It's paddles, people and boat everywhere and a bit of rescue work is required. That's what could have happened to Tim and Sue if it wasn't for their boating skills....

Incidently, the guide who drops us back at the campsite laughs when he's told how much Tim and Sue are paying for their campervan rental. They could have bought one for the price, maybe in better nick too. Something to consider if you're visiting New Zealand with time to find and sell a campervan at each end.

The Polynesian Spa

In stark contrast, a visit to the Polynesian Spa is required to recover. The 'private' spa is the quieter of the two with lots of volcanically-heated pools of differing temperature to try out. Tim and Sue work their way up the temperature scale and looking out over the steaming Rotorua lake it's a very relaxing experience. Sue's experience is not quite so relaxing as she's rubbed the skin off her fingertips clinging for dear life to the walls of the caves, ouch, still the waters are supposed to have theraputic qualities!

That evening they chance upon Catherine and Paul who they met on The Rock - there's definitely a 'tourist track' in New Zealand - and finish a pleasant day exchanging stories about travelling the world.

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Photos

Oh, I'm All Excited
She's smiling now...

Stoked, Dude
Delusions of rafting competence.

First Fall
Here we go!

Wahey!
There - not even as bad as a rollercoaster.

Well, That's One Down
That wasn't so bad now, was it?

Now Let's Try This For Size
How hard can it be?

Blimey!
Remember the skydive! Remember the skydive!

Splashdown
Doubles as submarine.

We Made It
Don't you find shutting your eyes kind of takes the edge off the experience?

Phew!
Well, that went about as well as could be expected.

Showing Off
Look Ma - no hands.

That's The Way To Do It, Sue
Superior technique.

Come On - This Is Supposed To Be Fun
"Who's idea was this f****** activity holiday?!"

All Done
They're happy 'cause they've not drowned.