So yesterday morning we left waihi on route for Rotorua ( the stinky town). It stinks here of rotten egg due to the sulphur in the air because of all the volcanic activity in the area. On route we stopped off at matamata to a farm which is the movie set to the film The Hobbit, we saw all the little hobbit holes where they live, and before anyone says it No I couldn't fit in lol.
After that we arrived in Rotorua early afternoon checked in and went for a drive of the town, we found a cable car which took us to the top of a mountain which was a bit easier than climbing it, where unfortunately for me Kate found a sky swing ride which we had to go on. It took you backwards up to about 200ft well ok about 100ft then let you go so you swung off the edge of the mountain, I have to admit I absolutely s***!!!!! May as well admit it as Kate has video evidence. Also up there we found these non motorised go karts called Luge rides which took you fast down a track on the mountain to the bottom, they were the bollox.
Today we went to Wai o tapo the thermal wonderland here in Rotorua, were we see erupting geysers and active hot pools all different colours bubbling at 100*c. They were amazing, Tonight we went to the Tamaki Maori village were the Maoris put on a show, taught us about their culture and cooked us dinner the traditional way, slow cooked underground under a fire, I have to say the food was amazing.
We have had a great time here in Rotorua, but we have so much more to see so we are moving south tomorrow to a place called lake Taupo.
Enjoy the pics, don't laugh at my face on the swing!!!
Oh forgot to say we bought a tent and two sleeping bags yesterday ready for camping on the South Island, can't wait