Adventures in Ecothermal Land

The largest hot pool in the world

We spent a whole day in the Rotorua area yesterday, and Mr. Smith and I decided to spend the day exploring what makes this area of New Zealand famous - ecothermal activity. The entire area is littered with volcanoes (even a supervolcano), and the crust here is particularly thin, so the magma that is normally deep below the topsoil is very close to the surface. The result of all of this is superheated rivers and pools, lots of geysers, and a very odd smell in the air. The smell results from sulfur and other minerals that get pushed to the surface in the hot pools. Because of this unique environment, the pools themselves are unusual, taking on strange colors from pink to neon green depending on what extremeophillic bacteria and rare minerals are hiding in them. We spent the whole morning wandering around Waiotapu National Park, which is where all these wonders are found. Our local guide, Trent, was wonderful and took great care of us. Everything we saw looked like it belonged on some harsh, evil alien world, not in green, pristine New Zealand.

Champgane Lake, showing off its steam and strange colors

After our ecothermal tour, we wandered around downtown Rotorua for a bit before we were picked up by Mrs. S and taken to the farm that she and Mr. S, her husband, own, which was just outside of town. They raise juvenile male calves, sheep, goats and pigs on their small farm. The farm itself was absolutely incredible, situated on top of a hill with an amazing view.

The Farm

After a tour of the farm when Mr. S got home from his day job, we were enlisted to help with the afternoon farm duties. We got to chase some sheep, catch a couple of lambs, search for some goats and pigs, and best of all...we got to try our hand at shearing sheep. I'm afraid the little lamb I sheared will be traumatized for life because of the embarrassing haircut I gave her. It was the poor thing's first haircut.

Shearing a lamb

After our shearing adventures, we were treated to a homecooked meal and some good company and conversation. I taught Derrick and Ronald, two gentleman on our tour (who are both 75 going on 30) from Surrey to play Spades, and Mr. Smith and I were beaten soundly. I discovered that The S.'s have a Bernese Mountain Dog named Calli and a cat who looks just like my orange tabby at home. We ate and drank and made merry and enjoyed some true Kiwi hospitality. We spent the night in The S.'s home and were a little sad to leave after our homecooked breakfast this morning. The homestay was truly a special, once in a lifetime experience that I will remember forever. A truly wonderful and special day.

Feeling the Kiwi Love on the Farm with our amazing hosts