Straightforward drive south, gradually leaving behind the slightly bizarre vegetation of the north as the countryside and the roads became ever more English. I could probably believe we were in the UK if the hills weren't so exaggerated by clear volcanic roots, and all wearing a velvet coat of extra-green grass.
We stopped at a cafe just north of Hamilton. These unique, atmospheric cafes dotted everywhere have been one of the most memorable parts of the trip so far. All the convenience of Starbucks on every street corner, with boatloads more character.
We continued south to Rotorua, stopping a short distance north at the Zorb hill. This was an activity I had very much planned to do, but for some reason it seemed a lot less appealing once I arrived. The balls seemed kinda murky, and some of the staff were over-the-top enthusiastic, in the style of a Butlins holiday camp. But CC, MC, and KC all decided to go for it.
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| The ride to the top of the hill |
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| The kids decided to do the slightly more exciting twisted track |
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| Post-ride, wet and laughing |
Rotorua itself felt a bit chaotic and cluttered, so we didn't linger. We headed south toward Taupo, stopping at Waiotapu thermal area (did they really use the word "Wonderland"? I think so!) and did an hour's walk along boardwalks in the warmest, sunniest weather we've yet encountered. The thermal elements were underwhelming--they all seemed terribly short on water, so not much steaming or bubbling, and very little color--it looked a bit like the start of a quarry. But it was a lovely walk.
Then, on to Taupo itself, to a remarkable ultra-modern condo we'll spend the next two nights in:
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| The bedroom in the back left has sliding walls, so it can be opened up almost entirely to the ktichen and the living room |
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| Hot tub (bath, really) on the left |
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| View of the lake from the patio |
We headed out to the local Countdown for dinner supplies, ate dinner, and played Wits and Wagers.
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