Day 287 (Fri 20 Apr) - Rotorua

Got up quite early. Only John was up so took a quick piccy and said goodbye.

As we neared Rotorua we could smell the rotten eggs tang in the air.

Parked up and Jo went off to the information centre to find out what we could do. The unhelpful girl at the counter told her that there was plenty to do but since she was offering impartial advice she could not recommend anything. Helpful!

Found Blarneys Rock hostel, located in the centre of town by an Irish pub. The chap running the place was really friendly as he showed us round the comfy living room and our room.

Dumped our bags then went to the Redwood forest for a walk. This forest was planted in memory of the rangers that had served in the great wars. What a fantastic place!

From bright sunshine we were plunged into a green and brown world of soft shades. Even sound seemed to deaden in here. Walked amongst the massive trees, on ground that felt as spongy as carpet, and marveled at the canopies far, far above us.

After a short walk we drove out to the Green and Blue lakes. Crystal clear water in both. Sat on the edge of the Blue Lake for a while.

The sun was beginning to set so decided to drive onto Lake Tarawera. Walked out on the jetty marveling at the scenery and lake. Whilst Jo went for a pee a car pulled up and two young lads jumped out wearing nothing but shorts. Sarb watched as they both ran from the car, across the car park, up the jetty, past a now stunned Sarb, and then off the jetty into the water below without so much as a word. Of course once they hit the water they started screaming. It must have been freezing!

Drove back to the hostel where we munched on a french bread and cheese dinner.

Chatted to a lovely young backpacking Irish couple staying with us. The girl was a great laugh but a trifle dozy as she was convinced that the cities of Oxford and Reading were in fact a part of London.