Visited Rotorua and Waitamo Caves

Location: Rotorua Central Backpackers
Weather: Warm but cold at night

From Paihia I went back to Auckland for a few days. This time I went to Ranitoto volcanic island and walked to the top, passing all the lava caves, scoria and other rocks on the way, cos I went there late in the afternoon, some Aussies . I also went to Devonport and Waiheke island.

Then got a lift from my 2nd cousin Matt down to Rotorua. Checked into the nice and convenient Rotorua Central Backpackers. Then noticed the classic thing about Rotorua - IT STINKS! the whole place is very volcanic and there is a lot of thermal activity, causing the air to reek of sulphur...but you get used to it. I went for a walk around the lake and saw the steaming water and hot bubbling mud pools, then had a relaxing 2hour mineral bath in the Polynesian Spa place.

Next day went on a tour to Waitamo Caves. I have wanted to see this place since I played New Zealand Story on the Amiga back in the 80's! I did not know until recently but the reason the cave is famous is because as well as the usual stallagmites and stallagtites, tons of glowworms live there. A river runs through the base of the cave, which you sail down in total silence and darkness. It really is a glowworm galaxy down there, millions of dots of green light, lighting up the cave ceiling.

I also visited Otorohanga Kiwi house and saw 2 live kiwis! they are most amusing looking birds and much bigger and totally different than how I had imagined them.

The night before leaving Rotorua I went to the Tamaki Maori Hangi - a Maori concert, feast(had some very good food) and show at a Maori village, they even did their own Haka and the All Blacks Haka that they do at the rugby, which ruled!

By JamesReed on 08.04.04 @ 12:33 AM GMT