We encountered more bad weather on our drive to the Coromandel Peninsular and so we didn’t stay at Whitianga as planned, a decision confirmed when the tourist office advised it was too rough for the boats to go out. So we drove south, for an overnight stop at Tauranga and then on to Rotorua. Originally, we had only planned to stay 2 nights in Rotorua, but we are staying 4 nights because this place is so special.
On our journey between Tauranga and Rotorua, we stopped off at Matamata, where the Hobbiton part of the Lord of the Rings trilogy was filmed. This was really Hollywood New Zealand style as the local scenery was turned into Hobbit homes cut into the hills (see picture) with bridges made from polystyrene. The tour also included a sheep shearing demonstration and a lamb feeding opportunity (see picture).
At Rotorua, we found superb accommodation in a small cottage and we immersed ourselves in the local volcanic culture by visiting a buried village (from the earthquake in 1886) and a visit to the Polynesian Spa where we both had wonderfully relaxing massages as well as bathing in the geo-thermal pools (temperatures ranging from 36C to 42C) (see picture). We also had an adventure eating out last night at a ’Stone Grill’ restaurant where you cook your food on a volcanic granite slab heated to 400C (see picture and note Linda’s new hair style). More Maori culture to follow.
On our journey between Tauranga and Rotorua, we stopped off at Matamata, where the Hobbiton part of the Lord of the Rings trilogy was filmed. This was really Hollywood New Zealand style as the local scenery was turned into Hobbit homes cut into the hills (see picture) with bridges made from polystyrene. The tour also included a sheep shearing demonstration and a lamb feeding opportunity (see picture).
At Rotorua, we found superb accommodation in a small cottage and we immersed ourselves in the local volcanic culture by visiting a buried village (from the earthquake in 1886) and a visit to the Polynesian Spa where we both had wonderfully relaxing massages as well as bathing in the geo-thermal pools (temperatures ranging from 36C to 42C) (see picture). We also had an adventure eating out last night at a ’Stone Grill’ restaurant where you cook your food on a volcanic granite slab heated to 400C (see picture and note Linda’s new hair style). More Maori culture to follow.
The hair looks beautiful Linda and I must say I am a bit jealous of the "stone grill" experience. I had a little bit difficulty identifying the difference between David and the lambs though. Hope you are still having a wonderful time.
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear more about the scenery, history and wildlife, the ladies at the golf club were thinking that all you were doing was eating and drinking (and having drastic haircuts)
ReplyDeleteHope the weather is being kind to you now.
Rita and Stephen x