ROTORUA AND HOT WATER BEACH, IS WHERE I AM TAKING YOU ALL, ENJOY!
THERE ARE SEVERAL PLACES IN NEW ZEALAND, ON THE NORTH ISLAND THAT HAVE “SULPHUR SPRINGS,” HOT NATURAL SPRINGS. ONE IN PARTICULAR I HAD THE PLEASURE OF SWIMMING IN MANY TIMES FOR A FEW YEARS WAS IN ROTORUA, NEW ZEALAND, AND HOT WATER BEACH. THERE IS A “DISTINCT ROTTEN-EGG SMELL,” COMING FROM THE AIR IT PERMEATES SEVERAL MILES OUTSIDE OF THE TOWN. IN THE MIDDLE OF TOWN IT IS POWERFUL THAT IF YOU WANT TO SWIM THERE, YOU PUT UP WITH IT. AFTER A FEW HOURS YOU CAN HANDLE THE SMELL. THEY HAVE “PUBLIC TEPID BATHS,” WHICH ARE “SWIMMING POOLS OF HOT SPRING WATER.” LIKE YOUR NORMAL SWIMMING POOLS, EXCEPT THE WATER IS HOT AND SMELL LIKE ROTTEN EGGS. PLUS YOU DON’T REALLY SWIM TO MUCH AS IT’S TOO RELAXING. MOST PEOPLE JUST WADE AROUND IT AND FIND A SPOT AND SETTLE FOR A WHILE. EASY TO FALL ASLEEP IN AS WELL.
http://www.newzealand.com/ca/rotorua/
Rotorua is known for bubbling mud pools, shooting geysers and natural hot springs, as well as showcasing our fascinating Maori culture.
From crystal-clear streams and magical forests, to epic biking trails and explosive geysers, Rotorua has it all. The city offers a raft of attractions and experiences for everyone from adventure-seekers to those just looking to unwind.
Sitting within the Pacific Rim of Fire, Rotorua is a geothermal wonderland with bubbling mud pools, clouds of steam, and natural hot springs perfect for bathing and relaxing in. After marveling at the distinctive landscapes and volcanic activity within a geothermal park, enjoy a simple soak in a natural hot stream or indulge in a wellness getaway at a luxurious spa.
Experience Maori culture, hospitality and food here – try a hangi feast cooked in the steaming ground or take a tour of an authentic pre-European village.
The city is surrounded by mountains, rivers, native forests and 18 fresh water lakes, making it the perfect place to reconnect with nature. Rotorua is a mountain biking mecca with world-class mountain bike trails. Walking, horse riding, and swimming or fishing in the lakes and rivers are some of the best ways to see the wildlife, breath-taking scenery and discover the region’s hidden gems.
It’s also a big trout fishing area with fishing on the lakes and tributary rivers and if you’re unlucky there you can sight some of the huge trout (but, alas, not catch them) at Rainbow and Fairy Springs.
For thrill seekers, Rotorua is home to the highest commercially rafted waterfall in the world, and offers everything from bungy jumping and luging to zorbing and ziplining.
Families with children of all ages will love the great range of leisure and wildlife parks. When it comes to food and drink, Rotorua boasts a thermally-heated central city alfresco dining zone known as Eat Streat, as well as a number of popular food and craft markets.
Located in the heart of the North Island, Rotorua is also the gateway to other central destinations – it’s less than two hours to the Mt Ruapehu ski fields and less than an hour from the nearest beach towns.
http://www.newzealand.com/ca/destinations/
Take a scenic flight over the turquoise waters of Lake Pukaki
THE “OTHER PLACE” WE WOULD FREQUENT WAS “HOT WATER BEACH.” WHICH IS EASIER TO SAY THAN THE “MAORI WORDS” WHICH IS THE LONGEST NAME FOR A PLACE IN THE WORLD CONTAINING 150 LETTERS. IN ENGLISH IT’S
HOT WATER BEACH
[I LOVED THIS PLACE WHEN I WAS A KID. PEOPLE WOULD DIG THEIR OWN POOL. THE HOT SPRINGS COME UP UNDERNEATH THE SAND, AND YOU CAN MIX IT WITH THE PACIFIC OCEAN WATER AND SIT IN IT. VERY THERAPUTIC]
Dig your own hot pool metres from the Pacific Ocean at world-famous Hot Water Beach. Great surf, cafes & art galleries add to this very kiwi experience.
Naturally heated mineral water bubbles up from deep within the earth to emerge through golden sand at the appropriately named Hot Water Beach.
Near the rocks at the southern end of the beach you can dig your own spa pool in the sand. Dig up to two hours either side of low tide – that’s when the tide is low enough to expose the area of sand with hot water underneath. It’s a strange but very pleasant feeling to be lying in a pool of hot water just metres from the refreshing sea.
If you have a spade or shovel, bring it with you. Otherwise you can hire one from the local cafes.
From the hot water area, the long sandy beach stretches north and curves east under a headland. Here you’ll find sheltered and secluded spots for quiet, sleepy sunbathing.
For surfers, Hot Water Beach has good beach breaks in moderate easterly swells, however the presence of strong undertows means this beach is often dangerous for swimming.
http://blog.gmedical.com/Locums-for-a-Small-World/?Tag=North%20Island
Hot Water Beach (North Island)
William LeMaire, MD—who’s worked for us in New Zealand—sums it up perfectly: “The best part of Coromandel Peninsula was Hot Water Beach. With a borrowed shovel, we dug a hole in the sand at low tide…the hole then fills up with hot water (from underground geothermal activity) and coupled with the cold ocean water, it becomes a great natural spa to soak in and enjoy a glass of wine as you watch the tide roll in again.” Well, that sounds nothing short of lovely.
http://blog.gmedical.com/Locums-for-a-Small-World/?Tag=North%20Island
Tongariro National Park (North Island)
Three volcanoes call this land home: Tongariro, Ngauruhoe (you might recognize this fiery mountain as Mount Doom from Lord of the Rings) and Ruapehu (AKA Mordor). Emerald lakes and alpine meadows make this place pretty. Steaming craters and old lava flows make it revered. Tramp the Tongariro Alpine Crossing—they say it’s the best one-day hike you’ll ever take.
THEN YOU HAVE RANGITOTO ISLAND WHICH I CAMPED ON SEVERAL TIMES AS A CHILD. THE WHOLE ISLAND IS MAINLY VOLCANIC ASH WHERE THEY FILM.
100% Middle-earth, 100% Pure New Zealand (Extended Edition)
Published on Aug 21, 2013
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