Thermal Wonderland - Rotorua, New Zealand
Rotorua, New Zealand
I caught the 8 am intercity bus going to Rotorua from Hobson Street, I had booked all the buses and day tours from London. We passed the rainforests, Hamilton & Matamata, Matamata is a must see if you're a Lord of the Rings and Hobbit fan. You can take a guided tour of the Hobbiton Movie Set.
We reached Rotorua, which is famous for its geothermal activity and is one of the most visited tourist regions in New Zealand.
I headed to YHA hostel, It was my first time to stay in a proper hostel. According to my research many Kiwis and Australians stay in hostels. The hostels in New Zealand are of good standards so I thought I would love to have the experience.
I had become member of YHA so I got free wifi in YHA hostels in New Zealand and a discount on the rooms as well. I had opted for twin ensuite which was fine.
As the check in was at two, I decided to go for lunch and I found an Indian called Chimneys just 5 mins walk from hostel.
I had lunch special which was curry, rice and Nan. The food was really delicious and of very good value.
My room was near the kitchen on ground floor and after resting for half hour, I headed for the park to see all the Thermal activity. The park had mud pools and hot springs with steam rising at few places. I also planned to walk to Ohinemutu, which was originally a Maori village. Ohinemutu Maori Village sits on site of the original Maori settlement in the Rotorua district. It is just a short walk from the city centre along the shores of Lake Rotorua. Here you will find some fine examples of 19th century Maori woodcarvings. The Tudor style St. Faiths Church also sits within the village. Built in 1910, the interior features traditional Maori carvings and woven panels. A stained glass window at the rear of the church gives the impression of Christ walking on the waters of the lake.
I met two ladies there and they also wanted to visit the lake so I joined them. We walked to Ohinemutu and to Faith Church which was situated near the lake, It was surreal to see the steam coming out of every corner and this place is a hidden gem.
I found it a very peaceful setting with the surrounding graveyard, Marea building, Tamatekapua meeting house and beautiful St Faith's church which is decorated with Maori motifs and carving.
We continued walking around the lake, Government gardens and the Rotorua Museum which has more stuff on the volcanic eruption of 1886 and the history of the area. The whole town has a sulphuric smell, like rotten eggs which I could not get used to even after a long while.
I parted with my new friends and I headed to Polynesian Spa. Local Maori acclaimed the therapeutic benefits of the water and bathed for centuries in the acidic pool 'Te Pupunitanga', now called Priest’s Bath. Polynesian Spa has hot mineral water pools of different temperatures both alkaline and acidic. I spent two delightful hours here immersing myself in various hot water pools, soaking in the minerals. I really enjoyed my spa session here with the views of the lake. It was strange as the air was so cold but the water so warm. This was perfect way to relax after walking for over 3 hours.
At the hostel, girls next to my room had too much to drink and they were singing till late. Then at 3 am, people passing by, leaving the hostel maybe for the airport were very noisy and I found it difficult to sleep after. My bed was comfortable but the shower was not that great. The staff were friendly at the reception and helped me with directions, wifi.