Thursday, December 08, 2005

Wheeeee, Ahhhhh, and Awwww from Rotorua

Thursday, December 8, 2005

Wow, what a day. We got up early and drove from Waitomo to Rotorua without any problems. When we arrived in Rotorua, we first started at the Skyline. We rode up the gondola which offerred such a spectacular view. While at the top, we ate breakfast at the cafe and then we were off to the luge.

We did 3 luge rides, what a thrill. That was the first wheeeee of the day. After the ride back down the gondola to enjoy the view some more, we headed off to our next stop: Zorb Rotorua. Wow, that was just amazing. That was the second wheee of the day. We each took our turn in the zorb ball and we went down the zig zag hill. Zorbing is basically getting into a huge rubber hampster ball where they load you in with some water and then off you go down the hill. What a thrill.


After the zorbing we headed into town to find our hotel. Walking into the hotel was a sight. When we saw we had a geyser view we had no idea that it was the largest geyser in Rotorua, Pohutu Geyser. And, it is right outside our back window, literally.

Just amazing. Then we were off to downtown for a bite to eat at the Fat Dog cafe. A recommendation from Janeen and Ray that we both enjoyed a lot. After lunch we were off again on some more adventures.

We drove out to Hell's Gate which is the most active volcanic area in Rotorua. We walked around and saw the thermal geysers and mud pools and such. Can't really describe it, but wait til you see the pictures. But the sulphur smell, you can definitely live without. After walking around we went and had a mud bath, gross but fun. That was the ahhhhhh of the day. We then got into a sulphur spa (I did not break out) and then the hot tub. On the way to the car we were stopped. Uh Oh. A peacock would not let us leave. He wanted to hitch a ride with us. Not something you encounter everyday.


We then headed back to Rotorua and were able to go to the Rainbow Springs Sanctuary. We were able to see a Kiwi digging for food. He was soooo cute, hence the awwww. We then walked around for about an hour or so and looked at all of the other birds and fish and such that they had to offer. Afterwards we headed back downtown for dinner. We ended up eating at the Fat Dog cafe again, it was worth it.

Tomorrow we head off to the South Island, to Blenheim, can't wait.

Tami

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

What an action packed day. Glad you enjoyed The Fat Dog. How's the driving going? Sorted out the round abouts?
All the best for your flight to the "Mainland"
Ray

Anonymous said...

I could feel your excitment. What a great time you are having. Can't wait to see all the pictures. Have a great day, like I know you will. We love you, Aunt Mary Ann and Uncle David.

Anonymous said...

Well -

Mary Ann logged on before I did this morning! Sounds as if you are having a wonderful time - Bet you sleep well at night though. We are well, supposed to rain today but Dad worked outside Tuesday and Wednesday. Have fun and can't wait to see tomorrow's post.

Love -
Mom & Dad

Anonymous said...

I can't wait to see every single picture!! Sounds like you are having a great time. We are good, just expecting snow (again). Can't wait to see you in a couple of weeks.

Anonymous said...

Right now with all the rain & cold, even I would like a turn at the mud bath. They are now calling for sleet & snow to go along with the rain. Glad I've got firewood. I can imagine you wanting to bring a Kiwi home. Bet there's a stuffed one somewhere. Keep the stories coming since I am living this through you 2. CU Soon.

LUB

M.

Tami said...

Hey Ray,

I've only tried to go down the wrong side of the road once (it was early in the morning, I was still half asleep and dreaming that I was back in the states). Other than that, driving has been fun and I've gotten the hand of the roundabouts.