Day 2 – Rotorua to Waitomo to Raglan (5th April)
So today I woke up at Rotorua, by the lake. I couldn’t have asked for a more picturesque setting to be honest, the sun was just up (it was 6.30am) and the lake was steaming beautifully, giving off that rotting eggs smell. Hungry and desperate for the loo, I drove to Maccas. Here I had brekkie, used their facilities and organised myself with directions to the geothermal park and then to the caves.
A short drive later and I had arrived at Wai-O-Tapu Geothermal Wonderland. It opened at8.30 and I had timed it perfectly. Wandering in, I bought my ticket (and a rain poncho as it was pissing it down) and orientated myself with the walk. It took an hour(ish) and took in some incredible geothermal activity. It was really interesting, especially given the earthquakes recently, and at times a little eerie due to the smog coming from the steam rising from the sulphur pools.
At 10.15 the Lady Knox Geyser was due to “explode”. I drove to the location, and took my seat in the amphitheatre surrounding the geyser. It was an interesting story, as the old prisoners used to wash their clothes in the hot pools, and one dropped in some washing powder and saw the geyser go off. The park still uses this principle, and puts in an environmental substitute to the washing powder to set the geyser off at the same time each day for the tourists. I found this a little disappointing if I’m honest; I kinda wanted to see it explode on its own. Nevertheless, it was still spectacular.
After this, I drove to Waitomo to see the glowworm caves. I got there an hour early so grabbed a bite to eat. The group then got transported to the cave system. We walked down a man-made spiral and entered a side chamber to the main cave. From here we walked around for 2 hours, oohing and ahhing over the stalagmites (from the floor up) and stalactites (from the ceiling down). We could also see a group black-water rafting below us. I wish I’d done this as it looked like a lazy river ride rather than a major thrill-seeking adventure. Oh well I shall know for next time hey!
My original plan was to spend the night in the Waitomo Caves area. However, there was nothing there other than some hotels and shitty backpackers. I didn’t fancy sleeping in my car there, so I drove to Otorahanga, where there was a 24 hr Maccas. (Yes Maccas are invaluable for road trips in this country – they’re always open, provide food and water and toilets and sinks and occasionally showers. Oh, how could I forget, free internet!) Anyway, I got some dinner and decided that Otorahanga wasn’t a good place to sleep either.
Instead, I had read a few leaflets that said Raglan was a surf mecca in New Zealand, and it so happens that it was on my way back to Auckland. So, guess where my car was headed?! There was nowhere to park my car for free, as the beach car park (where I’d planned to sleep) was right next to the cop shop and the firies and I didn’t fancy getting a fine! I drove around, trying to find a place to park, and came across a caravan park. That will do nicely. I’m sat in the tv room, catching up on the news and editing my pictures from today and charging some things, generally sorting myself out! And yes, free toilets which I don’t have to drive to!!
Day 3: Raglan to Auckland (6th April)
I woke up to the sounds of the waves crashing on the black sand of Raglan Beach. I went and ate brekkie sat outside a café overlooking the river with the lush green Kiwi hillands in the background. Afterwards, a short drive to the surf beach along the soft, shimmering sand. A perfect morning you many say. However, I woke shivering like mad after a night spent in 6 degrees with no heating or blankets. I also had to spend a small fortune on brekkie and had to top up the fuel in the car. Not great.
These small issues could not detract from my beautiful surroundings. It was very pretty, but I wanted to get driving, so I found myself in Maccas in the middle of Hamilton. Hamilton is a nice little town about an hour and half south of Auckalnd. Free wifi from Maccas sure is a blessing, they’ve really cornered the backpackers with that one.
After checking stuff out online, I found myself back to Auckland, where I checked into the Nomads hostel. They have a sauna and Jacuzzi on the rooftop terrace, with nice clean rooms and a spacious kitchen. Best of all was the warm showers!!! I’ve got 5 nights there and I think I’ll be happy.
I met 3 French girls and have been hanging out with them after a movie session and some dinner (subway I’m afraid! However, risotto tonight all home-cooked…yummy). Auckland seems to be turning into a mecca for French backpackers I have met more here than anywhere else I’ve been so far. Nevertheless the one’s I’’ve met have been lovely people and good company. Time for me to have my tea and then bedtime. How much am I looking forward to sleeping in a warm room with a bed tonight?!
Peace and love my avid blog readers xx
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