New Zealand: Rotorua

We picked up our rental car on the third day and headed to Rotorua. Just before we left we made a stopover at Kelly Tarlton's Antarctic Encounter and Underwater World. It had some interesting information on expeditions to Antartica and nice displays.


We took the thirty second challenge. You had to put your hand in ice water and keep it there for thirty seconds. I made it (just)Adam made it too but obviously he didn't find it as challenging as I did (or he is too cool to react!)


We made it safely to Rotorua and explored the town.



While in in Rotorua we went white water rafting.


Of course Rotorua is most famous for its geothermal activity-geysers and bubbling mud. The sulphur smell is so strong! On our first evening we slept with the windows open and I woke up in the middle of the night feeling sick from the stink. I had to rush around and close every window.

We also ate very well. We had Thai and Indian and an excellent pub meal.
It was a beautiful place.