Rotarua is 225km away from Auckland, it took us 3 hrs. mostly scenery drive. Note that many people visit hobbit town, but we didn’t as girls haven’t seen the movie and we wouldn’t appreciate it much. Rotorua is a very touristic city, so many hotels and motels, busier than Auckland this time of the year.
We first went to Kuirau Park, the free park with some geothermal activity. Girls immediately noticed the smell, heheh, a gentle introduction for our next day real visit.
Then we went to redwoods tree walk, probably my favorite visit of this town. The walk was so peaceful.
After the tree wall we also walk the 3.6 km family trail, although Sofia and I got lost and took us an hour to find the exit.
Then we went to our motel for some rest before we went for dinner at a Thai restaurant to balance out McDonald from lunch. After dinner we went to check out the lakefront playground which was a super nice one, and many black swans at the Rotorua lake. It was 7:30pm and it was so sunny.
We had a busy day the day after (12/28). First we visited Maori village tour & geothermal walk. It was nice to visit where the mauri people still live, how they cook their meals and where they take bath. We got a taste of hot spring cooked corn
We saw the geyser doing its magic
Walked the geo trail with Lizzy complaining all the way because of rotten egg smell.
It’s beautiful though, pretty much like what we saw in yellowstone 8 years ago, but more concentrated in one place.
Lunch stop at Burger King and we went to the rotarua heritage farm tour, the main attraction was the alpacas. Lizzy really wanted to see them so this 1 hour tour was perfect. Girls got to feed them many times.
And this which bull that weighed 1000kg. We didn’t get to feed it as it could be dangerous.
the funniest thing was that the alpaca spitted on Lizzy.
We rested few hours at the hotel before heading out again, first last play for the girls
Last stop was Polynesian spa, where we got to try the hot springs. The lakeview spa has 6 pools and we tried them all, feeling super sleepy afterwards.
That concluded our Rotorua visit, next heading to Taupo on our way to Wellington. More geothermal activity to be expected.
Our New Journey 
This looks like such a great range of activities. I’d be complaining like the girls. Sulfur smells make me so grossed out!!! Though I love warm water…
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Oh how beautiful! I don’t think I’ve ever seen a black swan before. You tried all of the pools…did they feel different from one another? I love the alpacas and the white eyelashes on the white one.
There is a geothermal spring in our town. You can’t go bathe in it or anything like that, but when you drive past is smells like rotten eggs. Gross.
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The temperatures are different, and some are acidic. I like the one at 40c the most facing the lake.
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The sulphur smell is so strong so I can understand Lizzy’s aversion! That is the downside to the geothermal pools! Sounds like a great day, though! I haven’t been to any of these places. I have only been to Wellington but we were barely there as we took a ferry there from Christchurch and then flew out. That was the worst ferry ride of my life as the waters are soooo rough. So if you are taking that ferry, find some anti-nausea meds before. I will spare you the details but will just say it was kind of a scarring ferry ride. Lol. I did not throw up but seemed to be in the minority..
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We are flying to Christchurch from Wellington. Precisely because I hate those boat rides.
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GOOD DECISION! Now that I know you aren’t taking the ferry I can tell you that people were puking everywhere. It was horrific!!
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Aren’t alpacas just the funniest animals?
It’s wonderful that your daughters have the chance to explore so many different countries and cultures. Those experiences will surely leave a lasting impression, and I bet they’ll cherish those memories as adults!
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THis sounds amazing!!! Why are alpacas so cute? There’s something so funny about them. This looks like a beautiful area with beautiful weather for your trip!
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