Simon on the luge

What's that stench?

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October 9th 2009
After the Coromandel we stayed in the coastal town of Whakatane for two nights before heading inland to Rotorua. For those of you that don't know (we didn't) Rotorua is a geothermal wonderland set on a volcanic plateau which means there are plenty of hot springs, bubbling mud pools, steam rising ominously from the ground and a permanent stench of sulphur in the air. It really is overpowering so ... read more

Oceania » New Zealand » North Island » Rotorua

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The Polynesian Maori reached New Zealand in about A.D. 800. In 1840, their chieftains entered into a compact with Britain, the Treaty of Waitangi, in which they ceded sovereignty to Queen Victoria while retaining territorial rights. In that same year... ... read more