Stunning Scenery But It's a Shame About The Smell

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The scenery in New Zealand is out of this world and it was nice just to be able to drive round and appreciate it. Our first specific destination was Rotorua. This is a must and is one of the main attractions of the North Island, although I dare say some New Zealanders (or Kiwi's as they are otherwise known) might correct me on that one.

We checked into the YHA hostel, running the risk of having to do some chores. One thing I must say about the New Zealand hostels is that they are absolutely immaculate. The only problem with this one was the constant stench of sulphur, but then there was no getting away from it in Rotorua

There were several thermal reserves to chose from, but the guidebooks gave plenty of tips as to the good points and bad points about each one. With $7 entry fee to each one, we only planned on visiting one so we made sure it had the full range of water spouts, steam, bubbling mud and the like.

We also found some thermal pools at nearby Taupo. We were introduced to some bizarre practice of jumping into the boiling hot pool and then getting out and jumping straight into the freezing cold pool. Bizarre, and painful!

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Photos

Prince of Wales Geyser
The Prince of Wales Geyser

Prince of Wales Geyser
The Prince of Wales Geyser again

Thermal Fields
The Thermal steam fields

Thermal Fields
The Thermal steam fields

Mud Pools
The hot mud pools

Thermal Reserve Entrance
The entrance to the Thermal Reserve