Day 15: Rotorua

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Day 15 (7/24/02): Rotorua

We awoke to the sulfur scent of the geysers that were close to our hotel, The Lake Plaza Rotorua Hotel. 

We went to the Agrodome and got a demonstration on the different types of sheep there were (in New Zealand, I think) and how they were sheared. There was also a sheep dog demonstration and a loom/wool demonstration.

After the demonstrations, the fun began. We took a tractor/wagon ride to another side of the Agrodome and spent the following hours participating in these fun activities:
  •      Bungee Jumping. This originated in New Zealand
  •      Speed boat racing in water trails
  •     Extreme freefall--a jet engine is blowing you up in the air and you get the same affect as if you are free falling (in reverse, I guess).
  •       Zorbs--This is basically a plastic ball that people get in to ride down a hill. You can do this with water in your ball (and you are extremely doused) or without (dry)


Adam Newell bungee jumping
Tamara Miller jumping off


Zorbing in Rotorua, New Zealand

Abby Haystead in a Zorb


Brien Simpson doing extreme free fall


Afterwards, we went up a gondola in downtown Rotorua and had a meal. There were also luges to ride. We each got 3 rides and got to choose between the scenic route, intermediate route, or advanced route. This was at the top of one of the high hills in the city, and so we got a tremendous view. The day even cooperated with us as we had sunshine and no rain. It was quite a comfortable day.


Later, we stopped at a souvenir place to do some more shopping until we had our jade demonstration. The jade proprietor gave a quick talk about his trade and them gave us time to shop. Afterwards, we used out time to eat, do some last minute shopping, or take in a massage or spa bath.


The kids really enjoyed each other, and so they stayed up until the wee hours in the morning in anticipation of a long plane ride and the last time of being together on this once in a lifetime trip.

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