I had a good time there though, did lots of fun activities. The first day out we went up a gondola (a really small one compared to Whistler...) and at the top they had luge rides and a big Skyswing thing. The luge was so much fun! You sit on this little plastic sled basically, and push forward the handle to go, pull back to stop. You could rip on those things! The tracks were fun with lots of turns and hills, and I actually got air off of one of them... crazy! We did the skyswing too because with the deal we got it was practically free. You sit in this little metal seat thing, and they strap you in and pull you up and back about 45 meters, and then you pull this cord to let yourself go. Just imagine a 42m swingset and getting pulled back to the top and then let go. It was fun but pretty scary. Especially since you swing out over the side of the mountain!
The next day, I went on a bus trip out to Waiotapu Thermal Reserve where they have a whole bunch of different geothermal activity going on. Steaming lakes and bubbling craters and all that fun stuff. I loved the champagne pool, which had a bright orange rim around it, and beautiful turquoise water that steamed. Crazy. Later Monday night I went to a Maori village for a traditional concert and hangi. It's like the New Zealand people's equivalent of a Luau. The show was amazing, and the dances and songs were beautiful. The food was excellent too! I had a great time.
The next day Tyler and I rented some bikes and rode around Rotorua. We found a really big maze! The owners change it all the time so it's always different. Tyler and I started from two different entrances and I got out first, but it still took a good 45 minutes for us to do. And then today we bussed it down to where I am now, Taupo. There's supposed to be a lot of nice walks and hikes around here, and it's nice to start seeing some snow capped mountains again. In a few days I hope to do the Tongariro Crossing, which is one section of a 4 day long hike, but you can do this part in one day. It's supposed to be an amazing trip.
Anyway, now for some pictures!
At the zoo in Hamilton
Lady Knox Geyser
Champagne Pool at the thermal reserve
Pictures from the hangi
Traditional maori greeting ceremony
The performers in traditional clothing
Only a small part of the huge maze!
Hope you like them!
6 comments:
awww pretty tiger!!
oo jules, yet again it sounds like a blast. some of the pictures make me think of Hawai'i :) hope the zoo was fun, i always enjoy those.
<3
Ooh, nice pics. It has to be said you take quite nice pictures.
Hey Julie
I FINALLY caught up on your blog. I'm glad that it seems like you're having such a fun time. We're off to Vegas is two weeks, not as exciting as New Zealand but it will still be fun.
Miss you lots.
Oh ya news from home, our dollar is worth 1.07 american now, which is great for us since we're heading to the states.
Sarah
jules! guess what! i got another kitty cat about 2 or so weekends ago. I forgot to tell you, but here i am, TELLING YOU :) her name is Delilah, and it was so pretty that we couldn't stand to change it. I don't have any pictures of her up yet. Except the one on my facebook page (my main picture). hope you are having fun :) <3
Heya Julie,
Sounds like you're having ridiculous amounts of fun, and I am very jealous. Don't think that I've forgotten about you, I always read your posts. I've just never notice you could post comments in your blog, and facebook pisses me off greatly. Anyways, keep up the fun.
Jer
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