For any of you LOTR fans out there, this is for you. On the way we stopped in Matamata where they filmed the scenes from the Shire. Apparently they still have it set up like in the movie. Unfortunately, it's on private property and they charge about $35 per person for a two and a half hour tour, and that's the only way you can see it. We didn't have time for that, or the desire to spend that much just to see some Hobbit holes. So, we just took a picture of their sign and statue.
We spent the afternoon exploring Rotorua. Rotorua is an area with a variety of geothermal features, much like Yellowstone. From our hotel room we look out over a geyser, a mud pot and several steam vents. It is amazing-but stinky!! Unlike Yellowstone, there are thermal features scattered throughout the whole town.
One of the popular tourist activities here is a gondola ride up one of the higher hills. It has a lovely view out over the lake and town. The best part however, is that at the top of the hill there is a luge ride. It is too difficult to explain so I will just attach a picture. We had a fantastic time. We each went down five times.
We finished our day at the Polynesian Spa. The Spa is a group of mineral pools that you can soak in. They are stinky but wonderfully soothing. They are kept between 36-42 degrees Celsius (about 97-106 F). It was a very relaxing way to conclude our day.
2 comments:
Those pictures are great! What a wonderful vacation you guys are on. Who won the race down the hill? And how is it driving on the left side of the road?
Andy won of course, he's been doing all the driving as well. It's been a little bit of an adventure at first, but now we seem to be getting used to it. It's also a lot easier when you aren't driving in the city during rush hour traffic.
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