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| Rotorua Hot Springs |
On our drive up to Auckland from Wanganui, we stopped at Rotorua for the night. It’s a geothermal hotbed! It reminded me of Yellowstone Park. It’s a major tourist destination with countless hotels, resorts and all the entertainment you could ever need to keep busy for a week or more. One issue though, the smell of sulfur is in the air everywhere. So, if you love the smell of sulfur, this is the place for you!
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| Rotorua mud |
People actually sit in mud pits like these and soak in the gunk. Ick….
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| Maori meeting hall |
We visited a Maori cultural center to learn a bit about the indigenous people. They have a strong presence on the Island.
The farmland on the way to Auckland is absolutely captivating. So lush and green and picturesque everywhere you look.
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| New Zealand farmland |
When in Auckland, we went up the Eye to see the city from a bird’s point of view. Water and beaches all around.
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| Auckland from the Eye |
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| More Auckland from the Eye |
It’s a very modern city, bustling with youth and activity. Rent is astronomical, something like $500 per week, with few apartments to find.
Fortunately, we had some sun that day! Something that has been in short supply this year, I understand. Lots of rain all summer long. But it sure keeps the region green!
Kathy captured the skyline of Auckland on a beautiful sunny day last Thursday.
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| Auckland Skyline |
And also visited a beach near Auckland with some very inviting sand that warm sunny afternoon. There are many beaches large and small just like this all around the Auckland region.
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| Beach in an Auckland suburb |
Evan, I read your posts daily and am so uplifted by them. I had fun following your travels. The photos have been great, and I have been inspired reading about your joy and inspiration.
The world is fortunate to have you in it. You are a blessing to all, but especially to this reader.
Elaine in Virginia
Oh fun!
I’ve wanted to try getting into the bubbling mud for years at Yellowstone but they won’t let you :-).
The travel blogs have been great but glad you are back.
🙂