Friday, February 16, 2007

Bubbling Rotorua



Rotorua is one of New Zealand’s top tourist destinations. And for good reason. How many developed places in the world have hot steam rising out of bubbling mud beside the road, and no one pays much attention! Well that’s not quite true. In some instances, a makeshift fence is placed around the source. In others, it is turned into a major tourist attraction. But you don’t need to see the bubbling mud and steam rising out of the ground to know something is happening here. There is a permeating odour of sulphur in the air. We were told we would get used to it, but after a couple of days, it’s as prominent as when we arrived.

As a result of its geological properties, generations of families have come to Rotoru ‘to take the waters’ and that’s what we did. We went to the Polynesia Spa, (despite its name), since it was close to our hotel, and voted one of the 10 best spas in the world by Conde Nast magazine. Sally had a dry treatment, with mud; I had a wet treatment! (No Rubenstein, that’s not what you think!) Water showers you from above while you enjoy a full body massage.

Following the Spa Treatment, we had lunch in the busy town centre, and then 9 holes of golf at a Municipal Course near the spa. Conde Nast would not rate this one of the 10 best golf courses in the world, but the sun was shining, and it was very pleasant. We spent the Valentine’s Day evening walking through a dark forest looking for glow worms. This was preceded by a Maori Concert and traditional dinner comprising lamb, chicken, root vegetables, potatoes…and trifle!
At the concert, we discovered that 20 different ‘tribes’ were present from literally all parts of the world. By far, the majority of people were from England, followed by Germany, Australia, and New Zealand. There were two other Canadians, and we happened to sit with the only two Israelis in attendance. Ari and Esther are doing a very similar tour of New Zealand, but in reverse. As a result, we could tell them about our favourite places; the peninsula east of Dunedin, Akaroa, the drive across to the West Coast, and the pancake rocks (even though they don’t look like pancakes.) We discovered that we had both made the mistake of not renting cars from Budget or Hertz! In their case, the Toyota Camry turned out to be a 1994 model; in our case, Ezy Rentals wanted their nice new Nissan Sunny car back in Auckland!

And so that is where we’re headed. We may make a final stop on the way. But all being well, we will fly out of Auckland on Sunday. I say all being well, since agent Veronica at Emirates Air seems to be having trouble dealing with an open ended Business Class around-the-World Airline Ticket over the phone. So far, they have not confirmed our booking, although they will send a car to pick us up and drop us off from the airports. I’m sure it will all work out in the end. Otherwise, we’ll continue to drink New Zealand pinot noirs instead of Australian cabernets.

23 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hello travellers! Your New Zealand adventure looks incredible. I'm glad to see your trip has been pleasent so far and I hope all the technical gadgets you brought have been working together nicely. Enjoy the sun,
Arthur

Anonymous said...

Lastly, you should know that the online therapist finder is
really appropriate. Finding the right massage therapist can sometimes be a tough search.
A respiratory therapist has one of the most versatile positions within the health sector.
Also see my web page :: http://roxacuuk.ucoz.com/

Anonymous said...

And that is the first rule of keywords - Relevance.
You are now familiar with the advanced search feature of Yahoo Answers, once you do a.
Hours of daily internet marketing available.

my web page :: internet Marketing Plan

Anonymous said...

On Sunday nights Erin Jaimes hosts a blues jam where anyone from Alan Haynes to Gary Clark, Jr.
Brazenhead is a great place to go with your family or for a business lunch
or dinner, but if you are looking for a party atmosphere, this isn't it. Her father, Bruce Paltrow, produced the critically acclaimed TV series that is considered the precursor to many medical shows today, St.

Take a look at my web-site ... funny pub quiz names

Anonymous said...

If you're on a budget have your guests light sparklers as you depart. 5. This is not always something that brides or grooms have time to put together on their own.

my page wedding website affiliate program

Anonymous said...

G# or Ab - (lower) so#, (middle) do, (middle) re#
G#, C, D# keys. Now among the advice of your educational
materials, shoring jar discover all the things of the substitute chords.

Best Regards.

Have a look at my web site ... understanding piano chords and scales

Anonymous said...

Will they be fed, watered, and cared for properly. In the event you employ strategies that may be employed in agreement together
with your dog's normal urge and instincts, you'll be able to improve its character and
provide restrictions that can maintain your dog satisfied.
With the Easy Walk Harness, if your dog attempts to pull forward the straps across the chest and
shoulder blades begin to tighten.

Here is my blog post; dog training accessories uk

Anonymous said...

Only 1 address, while. In the event you employ strategies that may be
employed in agreement together with your dog's normal urge and instincts, you'll be able to improve its character and provide restrictions that can maintain your dog satisfied.
Dog Training Using Praise.

Feel free to surf to my blog post: taurus dog training austin

Anonymous said...

This is because they have a high number of satisfied clients who have purchased likes and fans
in bulk and are reaping the immense benefits.
This company sends out invites from the page to innumerable people and gets
the invitations accepted. The first step in this regard is to make a fan
page.

Review my web site Buy Google Plus One Votes Cheap

Anonymous said...

In this article I will teach you the basics of how to have fun learning your chords by playing out
of a Fake Book. -- Chord Symbol: Dm. ][.

My page - piano chords ama namin
my web site: free piano Chords and scales

Anonymous said...

whoah this weblog is fantastic i like reading your
articles. Keep up the great work! You already know, many individuals are searching round for this info, you could aid them greatly.



Here is my weblog: 1st birthday party ideas

Anonymous said...

Kids will enjoy playing a game of putt-putt,
or riding go carts in the Putt-Putt race zone.
Party packages include admission, skate rentals, party favors,
soda, ice cream, balloon bouquet and more. Traditional
board games like musical chairs relay, dancing
paper, and many others.

Stop by my webpage :: 10Th Birthday Party Ideas

Anonymous said...

Oils, beverages and Paleo sweets should also be used in moderate quantities and
also keep in mind that Paleo diet food list does not contain
in it all processed foods made out of dairy products, powdered milk, ice creams,
cereal grains and legumes and should be avoided.
Other typical tasks were gathering wood, shelter building, digging, carrying a
variety of heavy items, tool construction and dancing.
Grains, salt, processed oils, legumes, and any other food that is not available
yet during the said era are not including in this special type of diet.


Look into my site: paleo diet and cholesterol levels

Anonymous said...

It is particularly helpful as you fight off this yeast
infection in mouth. Include about three to 4 tablespoons of vinegar to a bathtub stuffed with a tiny
sum of warm h2o and only bathe in it for fifteen to twenty minutes.
Apple-cider vinegar diluted in water kills yeast and provides
temporary relief.

Look at my web site; yeast infection and yogurt and tampon

Anonymous said...

Wrap it in gauze and put it in the infected area. Because of its anti-fungal properties, it is also sometimes recommended for vaginal yeast infections.
Finding the best vaginal yeast infection remedy that
will work for you will end all the disturbing symptoms of
the infection improving the quality of your life.


my blog - symptoms of yeast infection and bleeding

Anonymous said...

Chords introduce harmony into music and it is the effects created by chords that produce the inspiration behind so
much music and make it so satisfying both to listen to
and to play. Then you can quickly and easily figure out how to play
any chord in any key on the spot, whether you've memorized that specific chord or not. When you're acquainted with these core 7 keys you
can start to learn about the black keys (flats and sharps).


My blog :: learning piano chords and scales
My webpage > christian piano chords and lyrics

Anonymous said...

The other way to get more Facebook fans is by rewarding the loyal fans that you already
have. A lot of organizations do not recognize Facebook,
so it could be a enormous benefit to you if you construct a
sizable fan-page and have thousands of followers. One of the most riveting prospects of the position is, for individuals, groups,
companies and businesses to create their own pages to elevate and support their products,
brands and services.

Here is my web page - http://www.kcbcc.com/

Anonymous said...

' Satanic Ritual - Decorate the space with human sacrifice, goblets of blood, pentagrams, and things draped in black. For adults, a virtual makeover of hair and makeup may be the equivalent of a little one hood game, with an improved style sensibility that tends to make the knowledge each entertaining and inspirational. Every Halloween party that people remember later in the year by saying things like "Do you remember so-and-so's Halloween party last year.


Here is my web site ... auto trader

Anonymous said...

It is through urine and feces that we purge our body of infection.

A man can develop a yeast infection in various ways.
Thick, white discharge from the penis.

Here is my web blog - yeast infection and diabetes in children

Anonymous said...

Narrow blood vessels lie alongside the intestines of the earthworm and they absorb the nutrients from the alimentary canal feeding the rest of the body.
Local country clubs are offering trivia fun for as little as
forty dollars per couple. The Bull's Head Pub, Bangkok.

Stop by my web page Pub quiz amsterdam

Anonymous said...

By dividing up the party at several peoples houses you make it easy on
yourself. I won't spoil your surprises and give away any more details. At each house you have the hostess serve something small to eat, and host a small game.

my webpage ... automobile insurance

Anonymous said...

On Sunday nights Erin Jaimes hosts a blues jam where anyone
from Alan Haynes to Gary Clark, Jr. * Team
answer sheets - Basically a grid lined A4 type sheet with answer write in numbered boxes and a line on top for the team name.
8.

Also visit my website good pub quiz names

Anonymous said...

' Satanic Ritual - Decorate the space with human sacrifice, goblets of blood, pentagrams, and things draped in black. Even Halloween parties with the very best Halloween costumes can get dry after everyone's seen the costumes to be seen and passed out the candy to the
beggars. At each house you have the hostess serve
something small to eat, and host a small game.

Feel free to surf to my web blog: auto insurance quote