TAURANGA, NZ

What a day!  We were up at 6:30 am, as our tour commenced at 8:10.  We went around the city, then headed up into the mountains to 900 m.  Our first stop was at a wildlife park, Rainbow Springs.  There were kiwi, and many other native birds.  Without seeing them, the names won't mean much, but, of course, we have pictures!

Then we went to Rotorua Lake which is the caldera of a volcano.  It is like Crater Lake in Oregon, although not nearly as large.  We were on a paddle wheeler for a buffet lunch and entertainment by Maori performers.

The highlight of the day was our time at Wai-O-Tapu, which is a region of volcanic activity--geysers, mud pots, craters, and pools.  It comes complete with the sulfur smell of hot springs.  This area has very colorful pools and craters.  It is small in comparison to Yellowstone, but still enjoyable.  The weather was light overcast, so very pleasant for walking.  We did all the trails for a total of 4 km and 400 stairs!

By 3:45 pm it was time to start back to the ship.  It is 1.5 h on the bus to get back, so we arrived just in time to change for dinner.  After another great meal, we went to a concert given by 3 NZ Tenors; it was delightful--they had a good mix of songs so there was something for everyone to enjoy.