Last few things to do in Rotorua

Trip Start Aug 13, 2007
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Trip End Dec 31, 2008


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Flag of New Zealand  , North Island,
Friday, December 28, 2007

Another early start, as we had to check out before getting picked up again for a different tour. This time we were going on the Mt Tarawera Volcanic Tour. There are several different tour options. We did the half day tour and this consists of being picked up in Rotorua and driving to the base of the volcano. We then travel by 4WD up to the edge of massive craters. From there you can do 3 different walks. We all opted for the walk up to the summit followed by a scree slide into the crater and walking back out the other side. You don't need a great level of fitness, but some sturdy boots and warm clothing are recommended, although we only had trainers on and managed. We just took half the volcano with us when we went down into the crater!

In the afternoon we went to the Agrodome, for the Sheep show and farm tour combo. I think a sheep show is a must do in New Zealand as sheep farming is an essential part of the economy here Mt Tarawera Summit
Mt Tarawera Summit
 . Besides, the one at the Agrodome was just good fun, and interesting as you get to see different breeds of sheep, a sheep sheared, some lambs, and members of the audience trying to milk a cow!

The show is 1hr and afterwards you can do a Farm Tour. You can do either of these separately if you want, but I'd booked us on the combo. The farm tour takes you round different parts of the working farm, and you get to see various different animals, as well as fruit orchards. There's even a stop to taste some kiwifruit wine and manuka honey.

After this we ended the afternoon with the Zorb. This is just good old fun. It's basically a plastic inflated ball, that you get in with a bit of warm water and roll down a hill. We opted to go in the same ball, and just laughed all the way down. You do get absolutely drenched so make sure you have a change of clothes. There is also a dry one you can do where you get strapped inside and roll down, going upside down. This didn't appeal as I get motion sickness. If you want to do the zigzag track you have to go on your own. We'll definitely be back to try that!

On the way back through Rotorua we stopped at a park which had several areas fenced off where bubbling pools and vents of steam had formed, due to cracks in the earth's crust.

We then headed down to Taupo to stay at our 2nd destination of the holiday. We stayed at Baycrest Lodge, which was a really nice apartment, with a hot tub outside just for our private use. Ground floor apartments all have these, and 1st floor apartments have spa baths instead.
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