Day Ten – Geothermal Oddities in Rotorua

When I woke up this morning in Auckland, it was gray skies and rain… which made me stop for a minute to appreciate how lucky I’ve been to be blessed with nice weather on this trip.  Besides a drizzle last Sunday when I hiked Abel Tasman, the weather has been amazing.  I’m very thankful.

I picked up my rental car and as I drove out of Auckland on the three hour drive to Rotorua, the clouds cleared and it ended up being another beautiful day.

Rotorua sits on top of the most active segment of the Taupo Volcanic Zone and is a tourist town through and through. You come here (and spend a lot of money) to see the earth bubble, boil, spit and ooze, but you’re also gifted with the lovely smell of rotten eggs, which is the hydrogen sulfide that hangs in the air.  The town is also known for their spas and special treatments due to the benefits of the geothermal activity.

I spent some time exploring Te Puia, home to various mud pools and the famous Pohutu Geyser.  I also enjoyed a Maori cultural performance and a traditional Maori meal.  I’m glad I saw all of the above, because I came all the way to New Zealand and if this is a place to visit, then I want to make sure I see it… but I left asking myself how this became “a must see” stop on one’s itinerary, haha.

I then headed over to the Polynesian Spa and enjoyed a Rotorua thermal mud body polish and aix massage.  It was a unique experience – like no spa treatment I’ve ever had before.  I laid on an oval shaped table that was more like a hollow tub and after the therapist exfoliated me with the mud, she positioned a line of multiple shower heads above me and performed the massage as the water rained down on my body.  I actually felt drunk after this was all over and she said that was normal… that’s a nice buzz without the intake of any calories!  I also got to enjoy the mineral pools and the acidic pool, which is renowned for the relief it gives muscle aches and pains in the body.

Once I was done being pampered, I drove another hour to Tauranga on the east coast.  I have an early morning tomorrow, so I grabbed a quick bite to eat on the Harbour waterfront and I’m calling it an early night.  Only two full days left in this amazing country… I don’t want it to end!

This blog entry was originally posted on www.KmayerAdventures.blogspot.com