Rotorua

May 2012. Approximately 210 minutes drive south of Auckland is a town affectionately named by some as Rotovegas. Yes, this week reader, we are taking you on a quick trip to Rotorua, a town known for its motels, and love of the tourist dollar.

It's also, more appropriately known as home of geothermal activity; at least as far as the North Island is concerned.

Headed south straight after work in the trusty Corolla and arrived around 9pm, just enough time to grab a beer and check out the hot pool - geothermally heated, naturally. Quite cool as it was a clear night and we could see in the pool and look at the stars - ahhh.

In fact this was a momentous evening for Amanda - on the drive down she saw her first shooting star - ever!

Up early the next day to check out one of the famed geothermal parks - the wonderfully named "Wai-O-Tapu Geothermal Wonderland" - which had Rich half expecting to see Willy Wonka, or at least some oompa-loompas. Once again the weather gods where shining on us - another blue dome day; if the park could live up to its name and match the weather we were in for a treat.

First we have to mention the steam however. It seems to be erupting from just about everywhere. Drains in the road, peoples back gardens. Some enterprising individuals have even used it make their own hotpools in the back yards.

It did not disappoint. While essentially, just some holes in the ground, bubbling mud and funny coloured rocks it was an absorbing couple of hours. Never seen anything like it. Sulphurous steam vents all over the park, from just about any crevice and in some cases is quite overpowering due to the strong eggy pong.

Rotorua is famous for it - it's own distinct pong. It was not that noticeable the night we arrived - perhaps due to the clear skies. Here at the source, however it was unmistakable.

One of the highlights had to a pool known as The Champagne Pool and the adjacent "Artists Palette". Very hot and with clouds of steam constantly rising from them, clearing frequently to show the rock coloured various colours - the exact colour dependent on the minerals deposited in them.

Also saw a famous geyser called the Lady Knox geyser which they ensure erupts on time with the addition of some biodegradable soap.

In the afternoon we visited a small town called Ohinemutu on the shore of Lake Rotorua, the regions original Maori settlement (now a suburb of Rotorua). Quite noticeably poorer and more run down than the rest of Rotorua - but with a charm all of it' nonetheless. There is an impressive meeting house and church opposite each other with the church containing a window etched with the image of Jesus clad in a Maori cloak - he appears to walk towards you across the surface of the lake.

As the sun was setting we popped over to the Old Bath House and surrounding botanical gardens.

Lost our luck with the weather the following day. The blue skies turning a depressing grey and rain falling all day. Headed to to the Redwood forest, however, where the canopy provided ample protection from the rain. Wow. What a beautiful place. Walked for a couple of hours through the forest, working up an appetite for lunch before heading back to Auckland.

The forest also has loads of mountain bike tracks, rated just like ski slopes - 'Sweet' says Rich with a far off look in his eye. 'OK' says Amanda, 'We can come back...'