New Zealand: Rotorua January 7th-10th

SHWEEB!

Zorb--humans inside!!

 We continued our journey through the North Island with our next stop in Rotoura.  The rich sulfur air hit us before we reached city limits, yet we continued the journey into the mist; for Rotorua is the epicenter of New Zealand’s geothermal activity, the heartland of Maori culture and just the right place to be for adrenaline lovers.  Little did I know that today would be my first (and hopefully not last) Shweeb experience.  Mind out of the gutters people—the Shweeb is the world’s first human powered monorail track.  You lie back in a recumbent position and experience the thrills of racing as you pedal effortlessly in your own personal Shweeb.  Earning a $1 million grant from Google in September 2010, the Shweeb will be piloted in an international city coming soon J I’ve decided that I would love to Shweeb to work every day, primarily because I want to use Shweeb as much in conversation as possible.  “Just got off the Shweeb”.  “Meet you at the Shweeb”.  “I just Shweebed and I’m wiped!” No one can tell me that doesn’t sound awesome.  Being smack dap in the middle of the adrenaline amusement park, we couldn’t just settle with a stop at the Shweeb, but had takers for the Free Fall (simulates a free fall sky dive) and the Zorb (large plastic ball you roll down a hill in) rides as well.  After a Texas style BBQ restaurant for dinner, we checked into the lovely Ahaku House, a bed and breakfast owned by a Maori family.  As I walked onto the balcony, I felt like I was back in the “Land of 10,000 Lakes”—Lake Rotorua was a beautiful blue lake surrounded by luscious green pines and every water sport readily available.  The only difference being that Rotorua adds a special touch of being surrounded by active and dormant volcanoes.  After a late night sea kayak on the lake, I climbed into my bed so happy and LOVING Rotorua.

Saturday morning started much like Friday night ended, with a long kayak trip around the lake followed with tubing and wave riding.  Just before 10 am and an active morning already J  The festivities continued as we headed to the Skyline Gondola ride that takes you atop a towering hill for spectacular views of the city created by a volcano.  The stunning views wouldn’t suffice for the crazed New Zealanders, as the Sky Swing across the valley and swerving luge tracks kept the adrenaline high for our group.  We spent the night at a Maori village; learning about Maori customs, eating delicious food, watching the famous haka dance (made famous by the New Zealand All Blacks) and cheering on Tim, who was chosen as The Chief of our group of 100 people.  Through diligent practice, Tess and I mastered the hongi (the traditional Maori greeting of pressing noses together) and with our sweet haka skills were consistently confused for local Maori people.  After a delicious roasted feast, we took a night walk to meet the illusive “kiwi bird”, the large flightless bird and endangered national symbol of New Zealand. 

Another delicious breakfast and stunning view at our B&B on Lake Rotorua could only be followed up with a morning at the Te Pao Maori Cultural Village.  With a carving studio, weaving studio and Maori reading material to last for days, it was an educational and exciting morning.  The Cultural Village sits on an active geothermal area that Pohutu, the largest active geyser in the Southern Hemisphere, calls home.  Erupting over twenty meters into the air and lasting over ten minutes, it truly was a geological wonder that I could not take my eyes off of.  Next to the geysers stood bubbling mud pools, steam rising from the rocks and the science teacher in me loved every moment of it.  Our afternoon was capped off with a swim in the massive and appropriately named Blue Lake, followed by one last sea kayak on the peaceful Lake Rotorua.  We were sad to say goodbye to our gracious hosts and wonderful accommodation, as we are finding at every stop here in New Zealand.