Rotorua is on every New Zealand visitor's list. It has rightfully earned the begrudged nickname of Roto-vegas. Never been to vegas, but this place has the feel of Niagara Falls. Nevertheless, there are reasons why so many tourists flock here. The big one is geothermal activity. The town stinks. Literally. The rotten egg smell of sulphur blankets its entirety. If you've ever been to a hot spring, you know what i mean. But its worth it. I toured a thermal park with steam vents, sink-holes and an active geyser shooting 15m into the air. The highlight was a feature called the Champagne Pool. Its a steaming hot pond 70m deep with an orange-green petrified crust. Colours id expect to see around toxic pollution but are completely natural. The pics are on my camera so you'll have to check them once i get the chance to upload to the fb. Its truly incredible.

Rotorua is also home to some very unique ppl moving equipment. The Zorb was invented here. Basically a giant inflatable hamster wheel you jump in alone or with a friend. They pump in some water and roll you down a windy track to the bottom of hill. I went in with my bro, we got soaking wet and Ive never had as long a sustained laughter in my whole life. We bought the dvd. I never buy the dvd. After that we took a ride in the Schweeb. Its a bike in a capsule hanging from a monorail. Originally designed as a solution to urban travel and congestion. As far as i know, the only one on the planet is in Rotorua. Its crazy fun, got mine up to an average of 35km/hr, but its hard work. After, we headed back to relax at the free camp spot we found. By pure chance it happened to be beside an off-the-map hot creek and waterfall the locals wont tell you about! Well needed after a serious Schweeb session. The next day we travelled back to Raglan for the holidays and a sick christmas day surf session!! Cheers!