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We were up early today so we could have our breakfast in Blu as we were sailing into port at Tauranga. We had booked a private tour, and met our driver Carolyn at the wharf at 0845 and we were soon on our way.
We first drove around Mount Maunganui to see the lovely beaches and holiday homes, then we headed to a Kiwi fruit farm where we tasted different kiwi fruits, dried kiwi fruits, kiwi wine, kiwi juices and kiwi liquor. It was all really good other than the liquor which was like rocket fuel.
On our way to Rotorua, we visited a red wood forest, some lakes and a waterfall. Next was Te Puia which is a geothermal area near Rotorua where there are 2 spontaneous geysers and bubbling mud pools. Just as we arrived the geyser went off, which was very handy! After a look around the steaming fumaroles and some photos of the geyser we experienced a traditional Maori welcome and then a concert where they sang, danced and performed a Haka. Before we left, we had a quick look at their wood carving and weaving school.
We next drove through Rotorua, before stopping for lunch by the lake. Our next stop and the one we were really looking forwards to was the Hells Gate Mud Spa. This was another really impressive geothermal site with loads of bubbling mud pools and steaming sulphur pools. More importantly for us, they had an outdoor mud bath and a sulphur spa that you could use. It was really cool sitting in a hot bath of mud for 20 minutes then after a cold shower getting in the sulphur spa that was lovely and warm (but not boiling like the others!)
On our way back to the ship we had a look at Tauranga town and bay areas. It was a really great trip even though we were now stinking of Sulphur!
Our last night on board started like all the others, with some cocktails, before heading to Blu for our dinner, which was good as usual. Next was for a cocktail with our favourite bartender Sladjvana. A last minute panic to get rid of all our US Dollars at the casino was unsuccessful as Mandy kept winning at Roulette.
Our night cap was taken in the Sky Observation with our Aussie pals from Victoria. Then off to bed it was.
- comments
Fraser Mount Maunganui is where our friends live and where we stayed for our NZ trip. We really liked the Kiwi farm as well. Would love to go back!
Clan Ogi Who is this geyser you keep mentioning (lol) Mum xxx
Kevin Like another planet!