New Zealand 2017 Day 4: Rotorua

An actual full night of rest!  I started the day early, getting to the Skyline Gondola a little before 9am.  It was definitely a good idea to start before the crowds got there.  Zero lines!

I purchased the gondola and three luge package.  The ride up was nice, I had my own carriage :) and the weather was so beautiful and sunny.  Water views are always so amazing. The ride up reminded me of the gondola ride up Lantau island in Hong Kong. 

Riding up the Skyline Gondola with the beautiful views of Rotorua

Riding the ski lift for more luging!  One of the luge tracks on the right.

At the top, I was a little uncertain of how to get started with luging. There weren't many people there so I didn't have people to follow.  But, figured out that I didn't need a locker, so I got started!  First ride: scenic route. I had attempted to attach my GoPro to the front of the luge, but it was loose and I had to keep hold of it during the ride, so that took away some of my focus.  The second ride down the scenic route I just didn't bother with the GoPro.  Much more fun! I definitely went much faster.  For the third ride, I chose the intermediate route.  There were crowds and long lines at this point, so I was glad it was just the one time I had to wait.

Quiche with view.  Check.

After luging, I relaxed with the beautiful Rotorua view in front of me, and enjoyed a quiche from the cafe.

It was going to be a hot day, so I had to think about what activity to do next when I didn't want to get overheated. I decided to go to the Redwoods for a trail walk. It was only 15 minutes away. It was pretty quiet on the trail, especially after the trails split off.  I chose the Quarry trail.  There were beautiful, tall Redwood trees initially and towards the end.  In the middle of the trail was an incline, and the environment changed.  The trees were more tropical, and the shade lessened.  There were also very loud bugs, it reminded me of the loud bugs on the Chiang Mai hike.

Beautiful, tall Redwoods

Tree Walk at the Redwoods

It was nice to get a tranquil break like this. The trails were so well maintained.

I was getting hungry at this point, so I headed to Rotorua central since I did not really spend any time there yesterday. Ended up at Fat Dog. Had the BLAT (which was pretty good! ) while I people-watched outside.

I was walking around the city afterwards, but could feel my energy draining because of the heat. I needed something cold! Ice cream it is.  I splurged and actually bought a cone.

I ended up walking to the Government Gardens. How beautiful.  All the flowers were in full bloom, all the landscaping was pristine.  It was too bad the museum was closed, but the gardens were still beautiful.  I sat in the shade for a while to get some rest and gain some more energy. 

Beautiful Government Gardens and Rotorua Museum (closed)

By now it was around 4:30pm, and I headed to Hell's Gate. I walked the trail for about 45 minutes (so much walking today...) and saw many types of hot pools.  It's interesting that each are different temperatures and of different compositions.

Boiling hot mud and sulphur pools on the trail walk

Afterwards...mud bath time!  You are only allowed in the pool for 20 minutes.  It was more warm than hot, and the mud was super smooth.  There was also a cooling pool and a sulphur pool that I briefly spent some time in as well.  It was pretty relaxing, but towards the end it started getting crowded.  The mud pools had maybe seven people in some, whereas I had just shared with a couple.

20 minutes in the mud bath.  Smooth smooth smooth.

Feeling relaxed...but still needed dinner.  Picked up some Indian food on the way to the Airbnb.

Long day but fun experiences!  Tomorrow I fly to the South Island!