Stink City and Fairyland

Wɔatintim: 22.01.2020

From Taupo we then went to Rotorua aka Stink City. The smell of sulfur hits you right after the town sign, BAM: rotten eggs!

What's so unusual here?

The geothermal activity: sulfur steam lakes, hissing earth fissures, and bubbling mud pools. In a public park!

Rotorua Museum, permanently closed due to not being earthquake safe

Meeting Nadine and Patrick!! What a joy! So nice to have seen you!

Polynesian Spa: Miracle water from the monk's spring, heals almost everything and makes you beautiful. Well then ;)

*****

From Rotorua we then went to Tauranga/Mt. Monganui (Happy place of dear travel acquaintances, so we had to go there!)

What was so beautiful here?

The location: a palm-like land formation with cute bars, beautiful beach at the end of which the Mount is located (extinct volcano and easily climbable local mountain where everyone finds their spot)

Sunrise on the Mt. The small, breathtaking, golden moment when the fireball rises and a new day begins! 6:10 am

The freshest Fish & Chips ever, the raw fish was prepared right in front of our eyes!

*****

In between, there were always trips to the waterfall wonderland.

Okere Falls: Swing in and float down or watch rafting people survive.

Kaiate Falls: Sit alone in front of meter-high falling water in the evening, what a peaceful feeling!

With Jan and Mats in tow, we returned to Taupo to recharge at the hot springs and our beloved hostel.

*****

Whanganui Canoe Tour

Dive into another world!

Rock crevices from which cool air blows and you think that the entrance to Fairyland is in the back left

Paddle 145km through the wildest rapids in five days

Wild pigs, waterfalls galore (perfect for refilling water bottles), parrot song, amazing rainforest. Finally camping again. Bridge to Nowhere (built without being used, beautiful and sad at the same time)