Rotorua

The Australian and Pacific tectonic plates meet under New Zealand. The friction causes volcanoes, earthquakes and thermal hot spots.
Rotorua is built in a large volcanic crater. Consequently there are a lot of thermal vents, lakes and pools. There are also a lot of churches.

Spent 4 nights, own self-contained unit; bedroom, lounge/kitchen and bathroom. Owned by a couple who have a young family.

Spent a pleasant afternoon at the 'Polynesian hot water springs'. The water is in the high 30-40 °C, and the pools are in the open air. Even better, it was raining, so body warm/hot, head cool.

As this place has a lot of thermal vents, so it has a noticeable smell due to the sulphur dioxide. Useful if you need to 'drop one'.

People come from all over the world to take treatments in the hot springs in an effort to cure/alleviate a whole range of conditions.
Mike was pleased when all his hair grew back....

Went to the 'Red Woods'. One of the biggest natural forests in New Zealand. Did one of the walks. These range from a few km, taking an hour or so, to 8 hour treks of 30+ km. There are a lot of mountain bike trail's. The Kiwi's are into their mountain biking.

Did a guided tour of a Maori village, where they use the springs for heating, cooking and bathing. Interesting watching some traditional dances. Sticking out of tongue's, fierce expressions etc.

Can't visit the area without popping into Tolkien's Shire to visit Hobbiton. The set was remade using real wood, stones etc to turn it into a tourist attraction. The previous set was plastic, polyester and paper mache.
Anyway it was fun, and the price includes a pint of beer in the Green Dragon.

Enjoyed Rotorua. Next stop Taupo, famous for its lake.

Leave you with some photos...
Hot springs, red Woods, Maori village, Hobbiton.