New Zealand - day 3

Such a lot has happened since I arrived. I've basically met a load of people (some real weirdos!) and other guys who are just traveling or bumming around. Definitely a myriad of people from all walks of life.

I've bought a car/camper van which is an old hippie charabanc! It's got yellow flowers on the side and a Kiwi bird! Quite strange indeed. I slept in it for the first time last night and it was really comfortable. I parked by the lake last night in a regular parking spot (=$0 parking and nightly fees). Got talking to a load of other guys.

One thing I've noticed is that NZ is very expensive. I wanted to get a tent but they cost in the region of $900NZ compared to the US $180. So I'm staying clear of them for now. Shame really as I want to go up into the mountains. Hopefully I'll find something cheaper in Christ Church. I really don't want to blow my budget too quickly and having a Van to sleep in will help on that.

I'm in Rotorua today which is a highly volcanic area. I've had to fix a few electrical things on the car and now I'm ready to get going! I'm going to head out to some hot springs and hopefully see some geysers. The smell is incredible!! I then plan to head out to the coast for a couple of days. Going to look for a good book to read!.

Rotorua is a very touristy town and it's set up like a typical tourist trap. Still it is very unique.

Scenery is amazing. It's like California, Wales and Hawaii all rolled into one! There's very stark changes and you turn the corner and it's like being in a different world.

I plan on going to the East coast today after the thermal springs and then I have the ferry crossing on Thursday to the South Island. My first point of interest is Able Tasman NP. I've heard so many things about it that I really want to go there.


The hot springs near Rotorua (Damn I haven't got my Lonely Planet guide to remind me of the place)!!



The view of the lake at Rotorua (near the parking lot I slept in):