Blogs from Wai-O-Tapu, Taupo, North Island, New Zealand, Oceania

16 mai: Je me suis levée relativement tôt pour aller marcher, mais je suis partie tout d'abord à l'office du tourisme pour demander des informations sur les randos à faire dans le Tongario National Park. Malheureusement le temps n'est pas favorable et il n'est pas conseillé d'y aller. Le soleil est apparu en milieu de matinée donc je me suis décidée à aller faire la petite balade que j'avais repéré près de la rivière (2h aller retour). La couleur de l'eau était d'un tel bleue c'était splendide. Après ce petit bol d'air frais je suis allée dans un magasin de miel où j'ai acheté un pot de Maunka, de la region bien sur. C'est un miel qui coûte très cher mais qui est excellent. Une petite pause déjeuner et direction Turangi. Une fois la bas on ... read more

Today I'm off exploring geothermal wonders about 15 miles away from Rotorua where I'm staying. Unfortunately it's little drizzly so I'm kitted out in walking gear - walking boots, fleece, waterproofs etc. We pick up a few people along the way including one ditzy girl who gets on the bus wearing the flimsiest little summer dress and flip flops. The only other thing she has with her is a mobile phone. Rolls eyes! As we drive out of Rotorua Thomas our guide gives us the low down on Rotorua. Of the 70,000 population a quarter are involved in the tourist industry looking after around three million tourists a year! We pass a race course on our left. Who knew, horse racing in Rotorua? I wonder if the smell puts the horses off. Did I mention there ... read more

We are working our way to the south of North Island - avoided another cyclone - just caught the tail winds. It has not stopped us doing anything just delayed us going on the Huka Falls Jet. It was AMAZING - would love to go on it again. We moved from Rotoru yesterday. I was glad to leave there because of the constant small of sulphur from the thermal and volcanic land. I think if we lived here we would get used to it. We went to a wonderful Maori evening - wonderful evening. We are off to Napier tomorrow for one night and then off to Wellungton for three nights and will be catching up with family I have not seen for many years.... read more