Rotorua - Sulphur & Steam

We left the connections made in Levin behind, and drove into the dusk ahead.  Surprised by yet more mountains along the way, just before darkness fell for the next leg of our journey. 

It's often unnerving pulling into an unfamiliar place past dark.  Especially when people have mentioned an area that has had a recent rise in crime or gangs. But when we pulled in near 11pm & stepped into the massive space of our airbnb, my nerves were put to rest as we chatted with the friendly host.  She offered us to soak in the mineral bathhouse in her backyard, and so, of course we said YES to this once in a lifetime opportunity! 

The backyard bathhouse contained a large tiled pool with a tap DIRECTLY fed from underground hot springs. It was surreal in there, soaking in the warmth in the dead of night with only a sliver of light peeking through the topmost corners of the walls. (Discoloration pictured below is from the minerals!)

After a long day on the road, sightseeing LOTR film sites in Wellington, visiting with family friends, and driving for over 5 hours, sleep pulled on us heavily, aided by the all encompassing heat of the water. But we cherished this moment to pause together in this, yet again, unexpected place and experience. 

Afterwards, sleep came quick, and was lovely, quiet, and deep. 

Our wish for extra time to checkout in the morning was granted since we got in so late, and we enjoyed some slow time to wake, drink hot beverages, breakfast, and letting the kids explore the backyard.  Remnants of Cyclone Gabriele remained here, in the form of a massive oak toppled over.   

Just a couple blocks away, was the famous Kuiaru Park. 

Here we had a visit with the renowned sulfur lakes and bubbling mud pools. White crusty branches encompassed the lakes' edges. Steam drifted up through slats in bridges over desolate pools that warned people to not touch (which of course I had to stick a finger in to see what happened.) All that and the overpowering stench all made for quite a repulsive yet fascinating environment to experience. 

Danforth was determined that the lakes smelled like "canned chicken", guess we'll never smell that smell the same way again, ha! 

Farther along in the park, were some designated foot baths. They provided a nice calm respite to soak our legs and feet and chat with others. Melody decided to hop in for a full body soak until she was pink-cheeked.

After some playground time we drove into town to pick up Pho Soups then headed out to Hatupatu Point.  We passed Sulphur Point on the way, with its overpowering stench and white crusty beaches.  

We then ended up at the Lakefront Playground and feasted on our noodle soups under the bright sun. Afterwards the kids delighted in the expansive and numerous playscapes.  We lounged in pockets of shade from the dense heat.  Out from the boardwalk, black swans drifted along, occasionally sticking their bottoms up to fish.

Then it was time to go. 

Our last leg of the journey in the Toyota surf "truck". The last time to be crammed in with a truck half full of camp gear we hardly needed.  To lumber down gorgeous winding roads in this rig. To leave this crazy vessel that was the backdrop to our now-forever memories of snuggling in under the twinkle lights, laughing till our bellies hurt, of pulling in & setting up camp past dark, of sleeping under stars...and the not so glorious times of sickness and homesickness too. 

We crossed into yet a new geography, with ever increasing tropical foliage surrounding us. Rushing rivers and rapids. We passed a white water kayak course - a manmade track of rapids to practice and compete on! And of course, there were the ever tight and narrow turns on the winding roads that New Zealand surely must be famous for.  Then, finally into the industry of a large port and just beyond it, the beachy town of Mount Maunganui.  

We had reached our destination - for the primary part of our journey at least- and the borrowed truck was still in tact, and ready to be sold!

-M