Thursday 23rd January

 Thursday


Tempted by the promise of 360 degree views of the Rotorua area, we decided to take a hike up a mountain, once known as Rainbow Mountain now known as Maunga Kākaramea.

  … I always find if you choose the longer hikes there are far fewer people so that you see and hear more of nature. The views on the way up were breathtaking, watching the steam rise from the geothermal springs,  seeing the turquoise lakes and the mountains in the distance. Sure enough when you get to the top there are the most spectacular views in every direction. 

There were so many birds flitting amongst the trees , mostly fantails, tomtits and the New Zealand wood pigeon! 


To revive ourselves after the hike in 29 degree heat we headed for the geothermal pools at Waikite valley. An amazing experience! Wallowing in waters ranging from 30 to 40 degrees in temperature was a great way to relax… loved going from the coolest to the hottest! 

We also toured the site looking at all the information about geothermal activity as steam rolled all around us. We eventually came across the source…  I was  totally unprepared for the vision of the boiling water bubbling up from the earth. There are no words… 


A bit of housekeeping … a trip to the laundromat and back to peg the washing out!


Later we walked to Rotorua lake and  had wander round the town. Found ourselves in Eat Street! It’s a great place, literally a street of restaurants and cafes. It’s beautifully designed with a canopy that can be used in inclement of weather. We ate at the Thai restaurant…pad Thai with a glass of squealing pig Sauvignon blanc for me and tofu Thai noodles with a virgin mojito for Paul….best food we’ve had in New Zealand so far.


Walked through the night market, stopping to listen to the music and enjoying the summer evening vibe.



Blue water

Steaming rocks




The view from the top 


Fire watch tower on the top

Hot spring water - too hot at this point 

Perfect at 38 degrees centigrade 




Boiling water bubbling from the ground 

Our motel 

Peeping 

Pad Thai





Comments

  1. JanetJanuary 26, 2025 at 7:25 AM

    Lovely colours everywhere and everywhere so fresh… Food still looking good all the best for the next few daysXx

    ReplyDelete

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