Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland and Waimangu Volcanic Valley, Rotorua
While in Rotorua, it would be almost criminal not to check out what Rotorua is famous for - its thermal springs. If you have never been to Rotorua, you need to know that it has a permanent sulphurous smell (ie rotten egg gas) because of all the thermal activity in the surrounding area. The smell did not bother me and you soon get used to it, but it's a good thing to know before you arrive. We stayed at the Sudima Hotel, Lake Rotorua, where you can view thermal activity right outside your front door: The Sudima Hotel accommodation is fairly basic, so if you are looking for 5 star accommodation, this is not it. However, if you want affordable accommodation close to the action, it could be the place for you. (The travel agent who booked this New Zealand trip seemed to think that we wanted budget all the way, because we were booked into some very interesting accommodation, especially in Napier - but that's another story.) Next door to the Sudima Hotel is ...