These are pictures I took of the hot springs I visited yesterday. I went with a young German couple I met at my hotel in Rotorua. The spa is called Waikite and was recommended by a police officer I stopped (Ha. It’s usually the other way around with my sorry ass . . . Or, it was once upon a distant past. HEHEHE.). Anywho, the police officer said, “Go where the locals go. It costs less money and it is much nicer with at least 6-9 pools, a few that are private and cost a bit more.”
Around The World With Steve 
Looks like you are having a lot of fun Steve. Must remember to go there next time we are down that way. Will also recommend to our guests who are heading down to Rotorua. Keep up the great reporting!
Hey there Gillian!
I got lucky. The police officer was giving me directions to that Studio Motel (which turned out to be quite good, except for their internet connection.) and he seemed to know what was what in Rotorua, so I asked him about the best place to go. He actually said to avoid the ones in town, unless you wanted the “tourist experience.” Too funny! Say hi to your lesser half for me (grin).
Almost forgot to mention Gillian – I had to pass on the National Park. I was really disappointed about “skirting” around the park and taking the main road to Palmerston North (where I am at this evening). I was too concerned about missing my ferry crossing and being rushed, so it was a hard decision, but for the best. As it was, I did do the following today: A short hike at Huka Falls,, near Taupo; and I stopped in Taupo (the lake walk in the downtown area); I also stopped at the NZ Army Museum, but I forgot what town it was in.
I wish I would have had more time for the National Park at Tongariro (spelling?), but that’s what happens when you only have a certain amount of time. Sigh.
bicep shot in 2nd to last pic is all good. Are you working out? How are you staying in shape on this trip? I’m guessing lots of walking. Safe travels.
Flav, lot’s of walking and that hike up the volcano wore me out a bit. Other than that, doing what I indicated to you a couple of weeks ago – plenty of pushup sets and crunches. Thanks for the compliment. I started dating someone just before I left and she may show up in Italy (when I get that far). I will probably be shaped like a pear by then. LOL.
Song of the South? Too funny, Steve . . . !.
Yeah Chuck, you had to be there. Quite a few Brits and I may have upset their sensibilities a bit. LOL. I am not exactly a shrinking violet.
Looks like you’re having a great time, brother. Wishing you happy, healthy and safe travels, my friend. Nice to see ya on the Flap occasionally, too. Happy Trails!
Hey Chi! Yeah, this place is quite cool. See my message to Laurie above and you’ll know why. Hope you are well bro.
Wunderbar!
In 1996 I was getting divorced and had the travel bug. I thought about moving to NZ. Did you know they have some of the best snow skiing around? Anyway, I was put in contact with an immigration office in NZ and he was a SF Giants fan! Had done his college work in SF. I was going to work in Rotorua (control systems @ geothermal plant) with dual citizenship. It was all set up, until, at the last minute, I couldn’t leave California. My children were still young and it was a long ways away. So 9 years later I move to the UK. Go figure.
It is great living this leg of your trip with you. I remember my first time driving a right hand drive car. (give way to traffic on the right, take way traffic on the left and keep the centre line next to the drivers door). I can feel the breezae and smell the sea of a ferry crossing.
Cheers, mate, stay curious.
Great story Ed. Yeah, I am curious about the world and how people live. Thanks for stopping by my friend.
The Germans are everywhere, Blade. I met a bunch of ’em down there in NZ and OZ way back when on my trip. They love to travel, and stay out for months and months. Also remember meeting a lot of Swedes. They liked to drink, since it was way cheaper for them than home. Good luck in Wellington and the Ferry crossing, you’ve probably figured out your car rental thing by now…
Snarkk, they were very nice people and even offered to drive, but I needed the OJT on the roads, so I drove. Amazing place New Zealand is. I really love how they do things here. The people are quite friendly. At the hotel I am at, the proprietors (a couple) and I talked for about a half hour. At one point, the older gentleman said, “You don’t seem like most Americans – your voice isn’t loud.” LOL . . . Umm, he hasn’t seen that part of me. Nevertheless, that was the best compliment someone here could say to me.