Plenty of fun in the Bay of Plenty, NZ

Adventuring through New Zealand with a smile on my face..

Everywhere in New Zealand is illustrated in such vivid colors, it’s like living in a postcard. I’ll be sharing about our long weekend spent in The Bay of Plenty, it gets it’s name from the bountiful resources in the area.

We stayed in Tauranga and enjoyed delicious Indian and Turkish food while in this city, as well as, a home cooked lamb meal from some family friends. The main attraction here is, Mt. Maunganui, with trails around the base and also upwards. Within a short time going up, you reach the summit and are surrounded a panoramic landscape that is just breathtaking.

This mountain is also home to beautiful sheep, as well as host to beaches around it’s base. Complete with landings of paragliders who descended form the summit of the Mount. We spent time relaxing here, and I even played Mermaid– sitting a top some rocks until the waves rushed over me.

Hell’s Gate

Noted as Rotorua’s most active geothermal fields. You begin your experience in the parking lot when you are greeted by the all encompassing smell that is the sulfur stench. Eventually you and your nose adjust and your eyes are in for a treat. Dozens of different geothermal pools are bubbling and swirling steam throughout the park. With names like the Inferno and the Mud Volcano you know not to touch or get close to these pools. Some were up to 100-200 degrees Celsius (212-392 F) this is NOT your average hot spring. The native Maori warriors would come to the hot waterfall after battle to heal their wounds. I acquired some souvenirs derived from the minerals in the pools and mud, silky smooth lotion and mud masks.

Rotorua- Skyline

We continued our holiday with a ride up the gondola to the top of Rotorua and enjoyed an awesome zipline with the best view around, followed by a 30m trust fall bungee. ( I had to be pushed off!) Next, I consumed my weight in food at the buffet and observed many cultures coming together to enjoy this sky high adventureland.

I have not laughed so much in ages, my cheeks were actually sore from all the cheesing! We participated in real-life Mario Kart. It’s called the Luge and basically it’s these small carts that are only equipped with the power to stop. We strapped on our helmets and rode down the different routes laughing our heads off. On the scenic route they have a pit stop area with dinosaurs, stop if you dare!

Of course, there was some healthy competition between everyone, and not surprisingly S took this very seriously, so much so that he flew out of his cart. Each time we took the chairlift back to the top awaiting our next race we knew the only thing that would make this better is if we could share this experience with our friends, and of course a few banana peels!