We started the day by checking out of our hotel in Auckland but before moving the car from the underground “car park”, we crossed the street to explored the SkyTower. This is the tallest tower in the Southern Hemisphere. At 328 meters it gives a magnificent view of the city, the famous Auckland Harbour Bridge and interestingly the volcanic island in the harbour. This island was formed by a volcanic eruption of Mt. Rangitoto just 600 years ago.
As we stood in the SkyDeck over 1000 feet in the air, the natural topography, which has been there for thousands of years, spread below us. Across the harbour was this “geological youngster” formed so relatively recently.
After a nice lunch in the Sky Lounge we headed south to Rotorua. We were advised to hold our noses as this town is the site of famous mineral springs and geyser activity.
What a surprise! The place REEKS of rotten eggs!!!
As the lady who checked us into our hotel told us the natural geothermal activity in the area creates a distinct flavor for the region. The smell of sulfur in the air is almost sickening at times – depending on the wind direction.
The hot springs which lie under the entire region permit some unique opportunities. For one, every motel on a very long street had a pool heated to 40 degrees celsius (about 110 degrees Fahrenheit)
Another interesting feature was in our bedroom closet and bathroom. Water from the hot springs below was fed through pipes in our room as towel warmers.
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