New Zealand 2008-9 ..... Page 3
If you'd like to start at the beginning, Page 1 is here.
On the way northwards, we returned to the Waikite hot springs campsite for a swim and a night 'steam watching'. Sooo fascinating and pretty scary too. This was our third visit and discovered a walk to a viewing platform of the boiling spring itself. Yes, it's really boiling. Out of the ground it's 98 degrees Celsius and 40-50 litres per second! The management here cools the waters by several ingenius ways, including a 20ft fountain, before it is piped into delightful pools. The swimming pool in pic 4 was 37 degrees.
One of our favourite places here is Rerewhakaaitu Lake. Sometimes you get to meet some great characters there too.
Rotorua was actually a bit quieter than usual
We stayed at the Trout Stream campsite again. This time we got drawn into the fishing. More about that later....
Friday, the 13th wasn't a lucky day. It was lucky that we did hear that the engine had a problem before we actually broke down. So we got stuck in Whakatane for a few days....so where do you go from there without the camper.....?
Sorry there's lots of that but it was awesome. One day, maybe soon, White Island won't be there any more ....
.... Back in Whakatane, there is the world's first vertigraph ..... I kid you not, look!
and so, we continued on to the 'Nut House' cafe. Great coffee, views and macadmia nuts
Sapphire Springs hot pool wasn't busy and we got bored with swimming .... Our favourite stop in Hahei
We returned to Papa Aroha where our friend Jan went fishing. They actually (accidentally) caught a (big, I'd say) shark. They managed to beat if off and returned safely. No pics cos I wasn't there. I was photographing the sunset.
Finally, to Auckland for Hannah's birthday.