Reef dive
Clive down in the Barrier Reef
Monday, February 07, 2005
Around Rotorua
From Paihia travelled south to Rotorua, home of mineral soas and volcanic scenery. The aroma of sulphur hits you as soon as you arrive but you get used to it pretty quickly.
We took a walk round the town and admired all the jade and paua shell in the shops amongst other things.
The following day drove down to Wai-O-Tapu, the very best example of mineral pools, a large geyser and volcanic landscape. Had a wonderful time there; the colours were fantastic, bright green, purple and yellow, owing to different oxides etc. Could have spent a whole day there easily but needed to get back to the "Polynesian Spa" for our treatment!
We both opted for exfoliation followed by whole body massage. First we soaked in mineral pools, starting with the hottest at 42 degrees - it felt boiling! We then spent time in different pools with the temperature gradually decreasing. Once you had been "scrubbed" top to bottom you were then hosed down and then the shower of water was left running onto your body whilst the massage was done with coconut oil. It sounds slightly strange but felt great. Afterwards you felt incredibly clean, shiny and relaxed.
That evening we had a lovely meal in the hotel restaurant and slept like babies.
Next day we checked out very early to make outr way to Taupo, south of Rotorua. On the way stopped off to visit a waterfall at Huka. The views were stunning.
At Taupo we sat at a cafe overlooking the lake and had breakfast.
Everyone we came across in New Zealand was so friendly and chatty. They really seem to be genuinally interested in you.
Drove right around Lake Taupo then on to Mount Maunganui on the Bay of Plenty. The surf here was the best we had seen, but as it was a Saturday the whole area was teeming with wet suit clad youngsters. We didn't stay long. Continued up the east coast of the Coramandel Range, hoping to make it to Whitianga. As it was late afternoon we settled for an overnight stop in a a very pretty town called Tairua.
Found a delightful place high on the peninsula and with incredible views over the sea. We were well looked after by Jenny and Bob, who treated their guests almost like one of the family. Had our own private little deck and separate entry to the room. We were really sad only to have one night there as we flew out the next day from Auckland back to Sydney.
Returned to Terrigal and stayed with Claudia's aunt once more for a couple of nights. The weather was glorious, hotter than in New Zealand. There it had been similar to a very good english summer. Took advantage of their heated outdoor pool and chilled out.
