Taupō - Rotorua 💨

After a slow morning, we started our journey to Rotorua. Before we get into it too much, I'd like to make an official apology to Alison Jewell. Mum warned us about what we were going to experience in Rotorua, but I completely ignored it and put it down to her overreacting ways... but no.

The warning you ask?! THE SMELL!! I have never in my life been to a place that smells so horrendously of farts mixed with a side of poo and rotten eggs. Yuck!

We did, however, manage to get on with our day, as there was lots of fun activities to get on with. I managed to cope with my sensitive sense of smell by sticking vick up my nose and carrying round a vick tissue.

Our first activity of the day was a walk at Redwoods – Whakarewarewa Forest, where we walked up to the lookout (much to Callum's disgust). Callum had the next pick, so we were soon driving to the golf course for a game of football golf. Although it was a close game (I wish), Callum won and won bragging rights for the rest of the day.

After football golf, we headed to the campsite and had a relax as we had booked to do a Māori cultural experience this evening.

We were soon on our way to Mitai Māori Village for our cultural experience and dinner. We were shown how they traditionally cook, which relies on the hāngī, an earth oven where food is steamed over hot stones. We then watched warriors paddling their war canoe down Wai-o-Whiro stream before watching a show, which included the Haka as well as them showcasing Māori dances, songs and games. After all of that, we went to eat all the food that was cooked in the hāngī - yum!

After all that fun, and escape from the smell, we went back to the campsite, shut all the windows and dreamt of roses and sweets!Read more