Thermal Activity in Rotorua, New Zealand

Lake Okaro campsite

After spending most of the rainy day catching up on the Internet and grocery shopping, we headed north from Taupo. That afternoon, we stopped at a natural hot spring known as the Hot-Cold Spring. It’s another hot stream that meets with a cold river but the barrier between the two waters was not as distinct as the one we visited in Taupo. Rather, pockets of warm and cold water travel around a pool area creating a very neat contrast. You can also relax further up stream to enjoy just the hot water. We sat in the ever changing pockets of water while watching the sky move to dusk then darkness full of stars. It was perfect.

We stayed at a free campsite that night located on the small nearby Lake Okaro. When we arrived, the area was completely empty which was rare and had not happened since our rugged road trip but by morning another small campervan had joined us. We also woke to blue skies but it was extremely cold! Apparently, the week of rain brought unseasonably cold temperatures with it. After breakfast, we headed back towards the Hot-Cold Spring area to see more thermal activity.

This area between Taupo and Rotorua is a thermal hotspot and even has a tourist park called Wai-o-Tapu. Even though it sounds like there are some wonderful attractions in the park, we chose to only see the free sights in the area. While the park was busy with its main attraction (man-made activation of a geyser at 10:15 every day), we visited the nearby Mud Pool to avoid the crowds. The strong stench of sulphur greeted us as soon as we opened the van door. Walking up, there are thick clouds of smoke creating an eerie environment. Then you hear “plop”, “phiiit”, “psssh”, and “hiss” that just make you want to giggle. As the tour busses began to arrive, we got on the road to Rotorua.

Kuirau Park in Rotorua

Rotorua is very unique – it is the most thermally active town in the world! In the heart of this town is Kuirau Park which really showcases the city’s quirks. There were beautiful flower gardens, thermal pools, playgrounds, sulphur clouds, green fields and mud pools. We’ve never seen anything like it! We enjoyed lunch in the park then went shopping and to research mountain biking options.

After several days without a waterproof camera (and missing out on capturing activities), we decided we should get another GoPro and thought we should have one in time for our biking adventure. We spent the afternoon shopping around and ended up getting a GoPro Hero 4 Black. The local store had a spin-the-wheel promotion and Will ended up winning a 10% discount – score!

Kerosene Creek

We stayed at the free campsite on Lake Okaro again that night. This time it was packed! After dinner we planned on visiting another hot spring but worried we would lose our spot so we decided to go in the morning instead. We woke early to frost covering the van. (Seriously? I did not pack for winter!) We quickly warmed the car and headed to Kerosene Creek as the sun approach the horizon. We grabbed our morning coffee/tea and rushed into the warm waters. This stream was cooler then the others but felt wonderful on the crisp morning. We had the water to ourselves and enjoyed watching the sun start the peak though the trees. It’s a good thing we had the GoPro back because it was the most picturesque of all the hot springs!

After a relaxing morning, we drove to the edge of Whakarewarewa Forest. This forest is well known for a network of mountain biking trails and for the California Redwoods growing on sections of the land. The whole area is actually used for logging which is why the nonnative trees were brought to the area. We rented a pair of nice new mountain bikes, got an overview of the area and were briefed on the bikes. We were surprised to learn that the breaks are opposite so the right hand controls the front wheel break. We tested out the bikes which rode wonderfully and set out on to the trails. The trail set-up reminded me of skiing because they were marked by experience level. Being new to the sport, I was happy to have the guidance. We ended up riding for about four hours. There was a main road that we could ride up the mountain then jump on the mostly downhill trails. It was a lot of fun winding through the forest and it was wonderful to be surrounded by the beauty of the trees!

After the workout, we headed back to the Hot-Cold Spring to sooth our muscles. The spring is actually located right next to the Wai-o-Tapu tourist park although stopping at it does not seem to be on the regular tourist track. We were relaxing upstream to take advantage of the hotter water which is closer to the road. To our surprise, a tour bus stopped on the road overlooking the spring and tourist started snapping photos our direction, then they pulled away. We again felt like we’re part of the tourist attraction! 🙂

Next we’ll head up to the popular Coromandel peninsula.