The original plan for today – as put together the previous day – got changed at daybreak, when it was clear that the sunshine was there to stay for the day.

Geothermal Wonders

My first destination was  the park Wai-O-Tapu. Its name translates from Māori as ‘Sacred Waters’. Known for the thermal springs, bubbling mud pools, steaming ground, volcanic craters, and a geyser, the park is colourful in a different way from what I noticed in Rotorua the day before, though quite comparable in terms of the smell of rotten eggs. There are loud sulfuric yellows, over-saturated oranges and turquoises in the hot pools, earthy taupes in the blubbering mud holes. Fascinating!

Wingspan National Bird of Prey Centre

… was next on my itinerary. I learned about this publicly funded institution by accident when trying to find out whether there are any eagles in New Zealand. There are not – anymore. What I mistook for eagles were indeed harrier hawks. Wingspan is primarily involved in the conservation of the New Zealand falcon (kārearea), the country’s only living native bird of prey. One of the main attractions at Wingspan is the daily flight demonstrations where visitors can watch trained falcons perform aerial maneuvers. There was one scheduled shortly before noon. Matthias knows why I had to go there. However, I had difficulties finding the place. So I was late and only saw the last 10 minutes of the show. But even for this, it was well worth it!

Rounding off the Day at the Spa

Nothing says relaxing like a soak in hot water. If you can do it in style, overlooking Lake Rotorua, even the better. The Polynesian Spa was a perfect end to the day.