Stinky stuff

We spent two days in and around Rotorua which is quite a steamy, stinky, sulphurous town, sitting as it does in one of the most geologically active volcanic areas of New Zealand.

People live right beside erupting geysers. (look closely in the middle to see people under the steam.) We did a tour of a Maori village. They building steam boxes over vents to cook food, divert the hot water into bathing areas, and sometimes have to demolish their houses and move when new vents open up under the houses. The tour ended with a performance of traditional songs and dances.

After lunch we went for a walk in the redwood forest where the air was sweet and calm. No steaming sulphur here, just an incredible suspended walkway high up above the ground. The non-native redwood trees were planted over a a hundred years ago and have created a very beautiful forest on the edge of Rotorua. 

Then it rained! We retreated to our rented house via a gift shop, but after the rain we explored a park in the middle of the town. It was hard to keep our group in sight through the stinky steam. We did get separated for a while. One section of boarded walkway had been closed as it was sinking into the hot mud and boiling water which spreads and moves constantly.

Unfortunately, no time for mountain biking in the pine forests or up the gondola on the hillside above Rotorua but it was an interesting and enjoyable couple of days. There was an arcade game competition outside my bedroom in our holiday house. Think classics - spade invaders, pacman etc. Not sure if Fiona or Loretta won but it was pretty serious for awhile.