More fun in Rotorua

You know you have arrived in Rotorua when that “rotten egg sulphur smell” hits your nose.  Not all the time, just here and there to catch you off guard.  Rotorua is known for the smell, thermal activity, Maori entertainment, plenty of activities and dining places, hot pools and lakes.  Believe it or not, there are 18 lakes dotted around the area, with Lake Rotorua on the doorstep.

Lake Rotorua

We are staying at Ngongotaha for five nights, and caught up with Russel and Maureen.  We had missed the last caravan club rally, so it was great to catch up with them again on Friday when they came over for 4zees.  We waved them goodbye on Saturday morning, they were heading down to Taupo.

Russel and Maureen

We were heading out as well, we had a booking for High Tea at the Prince’s Gate Hotel.  This is one of the country’s oldest hotels still in operation with a history that dates back to 1897. 

This was something I was really looking forward to, I love  High Tea, but don't get to do it all that much.  As I often remind Robin, I’m sure I was someone very important in another life, I really enjoy these ladylike type of outings.  Not sure if he agrees with me though, maybe I was a scullery maid or a washer woman instead.  The table was set beautifully and the food and drinks arrived.  The morning was still a little chilly but we were nice and cozy sitting by the gas fire.

High Tea for two

There are indeed a set of Prince’s Gates right by the hotel.  The gates, with an archway resembling a royal crown, was built for the 1901 royal visit of the Duke and Duchess of York, later King George V, at the entrance to the Government Gardens in Rotorua. This structure is now unique in New Zealand, and is colloquially known as Prince's Gate.

Prince’s Gates

These impressive gates lead into the Government Gardens, home to the beautiful former Bath House, which opened on 1908 as a thermal spa offering medical and therapeutic treatments, before closing in 1966.  Today the building, classed as Highly Significant by the New Zealand Historic Places Trust, houses the Rotorua Museum of Art and History. It is closed while currently undergoing earthquake strengthening.

The old historic former Bath House

We drove down to the lake edge, and our Sat Nav kept telling us “Free Parking”.  There is indeed plenty of free parking for self contained vehicles,  we saw, with lots of  of motorhomes taking advantage of lake side parking.

Lake Rotorua

Sunday, our 40th Anniversary, dawned bright and sunny – where have all those years gone, we wondered?  After breakfast we headed off to tick something off our list, the Redwoods Treewalk. 

The entrance

Driving into the carpark, we noticed walkways in the trees above us criss crossing overhead.  Tickets purchased, and we knew to ask for Gold Card discount, but no sign was on the counter offering it.  After a briefing about allowable numbers on the walkways and platforms, and don't touch the trees as it can harm the bark, we were on our way up the spiral walkway.

Up the spiral we went

We weren't sure how we would both manage up in the tree tops, but it was very easy walking indeed.  The platforms had seating if needed, but I was unaware that the walkways were in fact swing bridges!   All very sturdy, and no problem really.

Here we go

With 28 bridges and 27 platforms we slowly made our way around the redwoods, stopping to read the information boards at the platforms.  There were plenty of people down on the walking tracks, and the forest is free entry for recreation users.

Looking down on the forest floor

The walkway is suspended from the trees using a specially designed sling, which carefully wraps around the trunks without causing any harm.  The slings can be easily adjusted to allow for the growing trees.  Another feature of the forest is the Nightlights Walk and we spotted several of the lanterns on our walk which are illuminated in the evenings. 

These and many others glow in the darkness for the night walks

The redwoods and other exotic species were planted in 1901 as an experiment to see if they would be suitable as a timber crop, to save our native forests from being milled.  But the trees grew too fast here in NZ conditions and the timber was too soft for commercial use.  A friendly couple took our photo standing in front of the tallest tree on the walk, 246ft high, and 7ft in girth.

Standing in front of the tallest tree

The walk was very enjoyable and I’m pleased we finally achieved it.  Back to the van for a rest, then it as time to get into our glad raags and head out for our Anniversary Dinner at the Stratosfare Restaurant, accessed by the Skyline Gondola.  The ride was silent as we glided upwards, with great views of the city spread out below.

Up, up, and away

We were welcomed into the restaurant and taken to our window table, by a very attentive staff member.  With a glass of bubbly to hand, we then checked out the extensive buffet. 

The food was wonderful, we must say.  With plenty of overseas visitors to cater for there were many Asian dishes on offer, as well.  I tried a selection of Asian cuisine as my entree, very tasty indeed to try something quite different.  There were plenty of choices for the main course, and as expected, a wonderful selection  of desserts too.

Just as we had finished a cup of coffee each, and nibbled on some cheese and crackers, our waitress appeared carrying a tray which she presented to us.  On the tray were some extra dessert goodies, Happy Anniversary written in chocolate, and a card signed by the staff.  Guess we had mentioned our special occasion, and we were overwhelmed with the thoughtfulness of the management for doing this for us.

We had a wonderful night indeed