Rotorua and more Volcanos

Wednesday 26th February

Another day in Stinkirua, what  an interesting and fab place, so much  to see and do, we didn't know what to do next.  The whole place smells of sulphur eg rotten eggs and they say you get used to it.  I think I would have to be here longer to do that.... yuk!

Anyway  today we drove out to the Waimangu Volcanic Valley, totally different to yesterday.  In 1886 Tarawera Volcano erupted, and Lake Rotomahan exploded to twenty times it original size, and created 15 small craters which over the years filled with water.  Since then there have been a number of small explosions, but it is fairly quiet at the moment.

You walked down through the cater valley for 4 kms to the lake, passing loads of geothermal stuff and the most amazing forest, we the jumped on a small boat which pottered around the lake.

You know I said shoot me if  we did any more climbing Mount Doom, well today we saw a sign saying scenic hike, and yes we did it.  Up and over the top of the mountain down to Inferno Lake, which at certain times of the year turns into a lake of boiling sulphuric acid, ummm ya! but not today. But I have to say if I am not fitter after this holiday, I never will be, my butt is getting a workout.

We walked all together for about 3 years, brilliant and then a little boat ride and they kindly provided a bus back, as it is uphill all the way.

Boiling fountain from the boat

Rod hadn't liked the campsite, so we moved on this night to another, just as bad, not impressed with Rotorua accommodation, but then we are off tomorrow.