Saturday, April 12, 2025

After our Hobbiton excursion, we had just enough time to walk down to the lake by the hotel.

We took a quick drive to the Geothermal Village.  Rotorua is quite an active area, with some homes even being heated geothermally (not sure that is a real word 😳). 

Anyway, the Tu Puia Village not only had geysers but an institute where Maaori studies and craftsmanship are explored and learned.

We also “tried” to see a kiwi, but it was in a very dark enclosure.

The geyser was the main attraction, and our timing was perfect to see it in its glory

Of course, there was a quick run through the gift shop on the way out.  Prices here are VERY reasonable.

We took the quick drive back to the hotel, and we immediately went to dinner.  TOO MUCH FOOD!!

Several of us were disappointed that the music in the hotel bar ended at 8pm (on Saturday night??).  But in the long run, it was for the best.  I scored an 82 on my FitBit this night and I needed the sleep. 

Two more flights tomorrow (numbers 8 & 9) to Christchurch and then Queenstown. 

Bye bye north island of New Zealand.

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