Arrived in port at 0515! but we were not up....We did however set the early morning call as we were going ashore to get to Rotorau and Hell's Gate. First however a few facts about Tauranga.
This is the most populous city in the Bay of Plenty. It was settled in the early 19th C and became a city in 1963!
Tauranga means "safe Harbour" and is recognised as the landing place of Takitimu, Tainui and Mataatua which were some of the early voyaging canoes from Polynesia. The port of Tauranga is the largest export port in NZ.

So after an early breakfast, we jumped on the bus to Lake Rotorua where we boraded he iconic Lakeland Queen.. This is the only Stern drien paddle steamer in NZ. Here we had "scones" jam and cream and a nice cup of tea! The scones however were the biggest rock cakes I have ever seen - bigger than the ones Sheree and Carolyn would make for the Roadhouse - huge! We had a very peaceful cruise around the bay. I must say, it did seem a little strange coming off a cruise ship and getting on a small boat to do some river cruising. We saw the first of many steam jets and a hint of what was to follow.

Off the paddle boat and back on the bus for a short drive to Hell's Gate - very appropriate name. It is the location of 17 different violently boiling mud and hot pools. temperatures in excess 100 degrees C, and ph levels ranging from 1 - pure acid to 7 pure water. We also visited th largest hot waterfall in the Southern Hemishere The Kakahi Falls. This is where the maori warriors bathed to salve their battle wounds and remove the "tapu" (blood) of war.

We got to experience the texture of the mud - both black and white mud and I have brought the big girls a mud pack to try. I also purchased some "healing soap" that may help with Guan Luca's exema......

Now let's talk briefly about the SMELL! The smell of hydrogen sulphide permeates the atmosphere. We were fortunate there was a breeze blowing and so the smell was defused a little. I do not believe you can go to NZ and not go to Rotorua and visit the mud pools areas like Hell's Gate but it is a once in a lifetime experience that I for one would not repeat.

To finish off this experience, we indulged in a geothermal steam cooked Maori hangi which was intersting but certainly NOT my best meal of the cruise.

Back on the bus and back to the ship. Quick shower and time for dinner. I had NZ mussels yum! Sirloin steak and Hazel nut cheesecake - all to die for!

The Showtime as a Mentalis - an amazing show and extremely entertaining. 2230 and bed!

Wonderful day!

Loe to all
The Two Cruisers
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