Kawerau-Rotorua, North Island, Bay of Plenty Region 2022
Kawerau-Rotorua
North Island Bay of Plenty Region
New Zealand
2022
Kawerau
We have moved onto Kawerau staying at Prideaux Park Freedom Camping right in the middle of town and next to Prideaux Park Freedom Camping with heated pools. The pools are free by donation and that was our first stop after booking in at the i-site across the road.We paid a $25 bond to get the power free for 3 nights after that it is $10 per night for power max stay of 7 nights.
Few photos of the camp. We looked at the other camp further from the pools, it doesn't have many trees so would be better for solar. That's why we took the free power option because of the trees.
Tarawera Falls
Today's adventure first I-Site to pay $10 for a permit to use the private forestry road to Tarawera Falls, it was an interesting drive and yes we got stopped by security to check our permission to use the road.Once at the remote car park, it's an easy short walk 1.83km-46 mins return including viewing the falls.
It was a little disappointing that the falls were not falling from the top like they can, which would be truly spectacular.
Back home for lunch and a spa next door.
Back home for lunch and a spa next door.
Kawerau
Did the town walks today, the best part was the river walk crossing the river on a pipe bridge and returning through the forest.
10km - 2 hrs 27 mins.
Closed the day with our last soak in the pools next door, moving on tomorrow.
Did the town walks today, the best part was the river walk crossing the river on a pipe bridge and returning through the forest.
10km - 2 hrs 27 mins.
Closed the day with our last soak in the pools next door, moving on tomorrow.
Rotorua
We have moved to Ngongotaha NZMCA a big beautifully laid out camp that has everything on-site and handy for shops and cafes, we went for a walk to see the steam train nearby.
Rotorua
The weather hasn't been great so we have made the best of any fine breaks.
Yesterday we did the Whakarewarewa Forest Mountain Bike 34km loop track. I found it ok but was glad it wasn't any longer.
The weather hasn't been great so we have made the best of any fine breaks.
Yesterday we did the Whakarewarewa Forest Mountain Bike 34km loop track. I found it ok but was glad it wasn't any longer.
Rotorua
Today we visited Government Gardens and had lunch at Lady Janes Ice Cream Parlour.
Then drove around the lake back to camp stopping at Okere Falls to walk off the sugar fix.
Today we visited Government Gardens and had lunch at Lady Janes Ice Cream Parlour.
Then drove around the lake back to camp stopping at Okere Falls to walk off the sugar fix.
Rotorua
I love mud pools and all things Maori culture and there is plenty to see here. We both reminisced about past visits going back to our childhood. We remembered the big red bridge that isn't part of the park now, and how the tamariki jumped off the bridge and dived for pennies back then.
Te Puia
The weather was great today for spending a couple of hours meandering from one amazing sight to the next. I love mud pools and all things Maori culture and there is plenty to see here. We both reminisced about past visits going back to our childhood. We remembered the big red bridge that isn't part of the park now, and how the tamariki jumped off the bridge and dived for pennies back then.
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