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Published: November 10th 2009
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Today we decided to use Jared's car and drive south in the North Island to the city of Rotorua. Rotorua is an international tourist icon known for its hot natural springs, bubbling mud pools, clouds of sulphurus gas (eggy smell), outdoorsy activities and rich Maori culture. The drive took us 3 hours from Auckland and was very scenic.
When we reached Rotorua, we stopped at ZORB Rotorua! The ZORB is an 11 foot high inflatable transparent sphere which one can ride inside. There is about 2 feet of air to protect you from the ground enabling you to Zorb down hills at a high speed. The ZORB was invented in New Zealand and can be either ridden dry or wet. Today both Stephen and I rode down the ZORB, but we were only able to video Stephen's ride (see video). IT was extremely quick and dizzy! So of the backpackers hinted the wet zorbing is better but going down once was fine with us.
After Zorbing, we checked in to the Wylie Court. Jared and Nephi recommended this place and it was very quaint! We had two floors, 2 bathrooms, and a private jacuzzi! After checking in we headed
to Te Puia. Te Puia is a thermal reserve and Maori Cultural Center which houses several geysers, bubbling mud pools (see video), and sulphuric lands. The highlight of the reserve is the Pohuntu Geyser which erupts 10-25 times a day up to a height of 50-60 feet (see video). The steamy valley and mud pools average about 194 F to 203 F. I was able to snap some really cool shots of the spurting geyser and thermal pools!!
After touring Te Puia, we headed into town and had some amazing Indian food at Lovely India! The naan, masala and korma dishes were delish!! After full stomachs, we went back to the apartment where I broke a glass table! I tried to put my luggage on the table and didn't realize it was glass! Ooops! Stephen had to call the front desk and thank goodness it was only NZ$20 to replace.
Just before turning in tonight, we decided to visit the Polynesian Spa. The Polynesian Spa was voted by Conde Nast Travelers as one of the World's Top 10 Medical and Thermal Spas! Everyone said we couldn't leave town without indulging in this divine experience. Although it was late,
we still made it to the Lake Spa complex, with four Japanese Rotem Buro pools at different temperatures ranging from 36-42 C. The hot water flows from a boiling spring, 330 feet from the complex and is cooled by the addition of the town's water. The Lake Spa was laid back against rocks and a grotto facing the Lake. It was dark but an amazing and relaxing spa. The hot mineral and acidic/alkaline pools are famous for their curative effects on ailments such as arthritis and rheumatism. Although we didn't have either, the warmth felt great but the smell not so aromatic.
Check out all the pics and videos!!
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Kirsty
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Hahahahahaha!!
Oh My!!! I LOVE Maori Nelson... tooo funny! ALL these photos are great, brings back lots of good New Zealand memories for me! Can't wait to see more xox