Rotarua is located in the central part of the north island. A 4 hour drive from Auckland through the beautiful countryside. Arrived mid-afternoon to the Sudima Hotel right on Lake Rotarua. Beautiful, as you can see by the photos but stinky! The lake is an actual volcanic crater that has geo-thermal sulphur pits below and around it. Much like our mud pits and geysers at Yellowstone.
Took a quick walk about town, dinner and bed.
Next morning, took a mile walk around the lake discovered some new mud pits! Then, went around to the Polynesian Spa famous for their thermal pools. The pools are open air with beautiful views of the lake and scenery beyond.
In the evening, we went to a Maori village and cultural show. These are the native Indians of New Zealand. Very interesting! Included a "hangi" dinner - similar to a luau, as they cook in earthen ovens too! Yummy!!
