EXTREME (smells) in Rotorua!

As we drew closer to Rotorua, we smelt it before we realised we were there. It is a geothermal hub and therefore stinks of Sulphar (stick bombs, eggs, whatever you want to call it!)

What do you get if you mix a big blow up ball, some water, a human being and a hill? … Zorbing! We've both wanted to do this for a while and seeing we were in the place where it was invented (by two very bored men!) we decided to take the plunge. They rolled us down the 'zig zag' course and it was like being on a water ride… but better! Sooo much fun.

Rotorua is also one of the places in New Zealand with the largest Maori population, it is therefore a popular place for signing up to a culture evening to learn more about the culture and enjoy the traditions and food. So off we went to an evening of Maori Huka and Hangi (amazing meat and potatoes cooking in an underground oven for hours!)

The next day we refreshed ourselves with a soak in spa pools for natural spring water which bubbles out of the ground at a crazy 98 degrees and is cooled down so we can enjoy a leisurely soak!

We then headed off to a geothermal area and took in the sights (and smells) of it and both did a little wood carving (you can marvel over our skills when we get home!)

Then came the climax of our visit to Rotorua, white water rafting the infamous Grade 5 Kaitana River with its 7m waterfall! This was an awesome experience and also gave us some giggles when Mike somehow ended up sat in the Guides lap after the big drop! He looked confused but I'm sure he planned it, it was the pink helmet that did it!