Thermals, Mr Macs and Uno

We picked up Mum and Dad from the Motel at 8.30am and called in at the supermarket for some fruit and juice for breakfast. We headed straight for the Wai-O-Tapu Wonderland about 30 minutes out of Rotorua.

We drove straight to the visitors centre and bought our tickets. We had just enough time for a brew and then had to drive 5 minutes up the road to the Lady Knox Geyser. At 10.15am they set off and it bubbled up before shooting up into the air. It can gush up to 20m apparently, not sure if that’s what height it got to for us though. It was really impressive. We watched it for a while before heading back to the thermal park.

We started the 3km walk visiting the craters, sulphur pools, waterfalls and even a champagne pool! The thermal wonderland was created during a volcanic eruption. You could see the mud and water boiling and bubbling away in some places. The colours of the pools were amazing due to the different gases and chemicals. It stunk of sulphur.... or eggs!! We made it round just in time as the rain started, just as we got to the visitors centre. It pretty much rained all day after that.

We drove back to Rotorua Town and had a quick bite to eat in a cafe there. After that we jumped back into the car with no real plan as to where we were heading next.

After about an hour we arrived at Taupo, the weather was a bit better but not great so we had a quick picture of the lake and decided to head on whilst it was raining.

Another hour later we arrived at Turangi. We headed straight for Tourist Information, luckily as it was just closing. We found a cheap motel for us all and managed to book it through them. 5 minutes later we were carrying our bags into apartment number 8 at the Judges Pool Motel. We chilled out at the unit, enjoying listening to the rain on the roof. We decided to head out for a Chinese Takeaway for tea and even called into the supermarket for some breakfast things too. Tea was alright and we washed it down with Mr Macs Gold Ale..... very nice! We even managed a few games of Uno and decided to chill for the evening in front of the telly.

No real plan again for tomorrow, except heading for Wellington. Hopefully the weather will be a bit better tomorrow.