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Day 27
Breakfast: Served at the hotel beginning at 7am, featuring continental and hot breakfast options. Morning: Rotorua is often called a thermal wonderland because of its volcanic activity. The region is replete with bubbling mud pools, geothermal geysers, and steam vents—a place where it's not at all unusual to spot the occasional small vapor stream rising from a crack in the pavement. Here, on the Volcanic Plateau, it simply comes with the territory. Around 9am, we'll drive via coach for about 25 minutes to the Waimangu Volcanic Valley, approximately a 15-mile journey. This relatively young geothermal site was created by nearby Mount Tarawera's last eruption in 1886. Upon arrival around 9:30am, we take a leisurely 1-hour hike alongside a local guide who will provide us with their insider knowledge of the landscape as we descend into the lush valley of green vegetation, pink silica terraces, and blue waters. We'll discover the Inferno Crater, filled with brilliant turquoise water, and Frying Pan Lake, the world's largest hot spring. Our small group will also embark on a 45-minute cruise on Lake Rotomahana around 10:30am, where our captain explains more about the history of Rotorua and shows us more geothermal sites that aren't accessible by land. Lunch: En route to the hotel, we’ll enjoy a picnic-lunch at the Waimangu Volcanic Café. Afternoon: Around 12:30pm, we’ll depart the valley to continue our drive back to the hotel. Upon arrival, you may choose to relax, or set off to do some exploring on your own. Ask your Trip Experience Leader for suggested activities. We'll depart the hotel around 6pm and walk to a nearby local restaurant for dinner Dinner: Around 6:30pm at a local restaurant. Evening: This evening will be free to explore at your own pace. If you fancy dessert, perhaps you'll savor some ice cream at Lady Jane's Ice Cream Parlour, a local favorite, or join fellow travelers for a drink to recap your adventures in Rotorua. |
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5/16/23 |
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Explore Waimangu Volcanic Valley
Meals
included: B L D