Andy and I had taken a long time deciding what we should do for the only full weekend whilst Fran is with us. We decided on Rotorua, with a visit to Taupo on the way there and on the way back. Andy took a day off work on Friday so that we had an extra day, good job too as it was a long drive and we arrived back in Wanganui last night very tired indeed. But I am getting ahead of myself.
On Friday morning we set off in brilliant sunshine, stopping a few times on the way to take photos of the views.
We arrived in Taupo for an excellent lunch, taken in a cafe overlooking the lake which was stunningly beautiful in the sunshine. We drove on then to show Fran the Huka falls, which we saw last time in Taupo, but which are a must on a visit here. On again to a prawn farm, which Andy had heard about. Apparently you can spend some time there catching prawns which they will then cook for you if you like! Unfortunately they were about to close, so we bought some already packed prawns to take for our supper.
On again then to Rotorua, about another 1.5 hrs, where we arrived late afternoon, with the sun still shining. The appartment we had booked was really nice, with a balcony and an outdoor sitting area. It's always a bit of a relief when the accommodation comes up to scratch!
Saturday was another beautiful day. We visited Te Puia, a centre of Maori culture, where we were shown around by Carla, a Maori guide. We saw some genuine Maori buildings, some of which were still in use. We saw how the Maoris made rope from flax, wood carving and weaving. We were also treated to a Maori welcome by warriors in full dress - a bit scary! Te Puia also has mud pools and a large geyser, so we walked around and saw all of this too. A bit pongy with the bad eggs smell of Hydrogen Sulphide everywhere.
In the afternoon, we visited more steaming mud pools in Kirau park. Carla had told us that the whole of Rotorua is built inside the crater of a super volcano, which last erupted about 250,000 years ago. I think the next eruption is expected in about another 100,000 years, so I think we should be safe enough! Also had a look at the redwood forest, stocked with redwoods from California we understand as an experiment at some time in the past. On we went to our evening meal on mount Ngongotaha. We travelled up the mountain on a gondola, with lovely views of Rotorua and the lake. At the top we bought tickets for a luge ride back down. Great fun, so we went down again! There was a wedding party at the top and the guests were all 'luge'-ing down to the resturaunt for the wedding breakfast. A bit tricky for the women in heels and tight skirts!
Andy and me waiting to Luge!
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