The day started with a 2 1/2 hours journey from Auckland to Waitomo for the famous attraction.
Waitomo Glowworm Caves
Location:
39 Waitomo Caves Road RD 7, Waitomo Caves, Otorohanga 3977, New Zealand
Tel: +64 07 878 8227
Website:
http://www.waitomo.com/waitomo-glowworm-caves.aspx
Hours: Everyday 09:00 - 17:00
Admission: NZD48 per person (only glowworm caves). There are also other caves combo at different prices.
We are not allowed to take any photos of the glowworm while in the cave. With any kinds of lighting, we are not able to see the worms glow. It would not look as nice as the picture below but it's a magnificent wonder of the living world, just like looking at stars inside a cave. You can appreciate more of it watching the documentary done by National Geographic understanding more of glowworms upclose.
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| Picture source: Waitomo caves website |
TIRAU
On the way from Waitomo to Rotorua, you will passby this town called Tirau. If you have the time, stop by and take some pictures with the very cool buildings built with discarded corrugated iron like the i-Site building is a big "iron" dog!
ROTORUA
There's alot to do in Rotorua but only have time for very few. Check out more at http://www.rotoruanz.com/
Rainbrow Springs Kiwi Wildlife Park
A first stop in Rotorua! We just want to see some Kiwi and animals! ^^
192 Fairy Springs Road
Fairy Springs, Rotorua 3015, New Zealand
Tel: +64 07 350 0440
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| There are 2 parrots that says "hello" to you! |
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| Kiwi "encounter" section |
Additional fun: The playground and Big Splash!
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| Playground |
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| Unlimited ride of the Big Splash! |
The most restaurants or diners you can find in Rotorua is at Tutanekai Street.
Mac's Steaks
Well-known in Rotorua for its best beef experience! A place that I would too recommend.
Location:
1110 Tutanekai Street Rotorua 3010, New Zealand
Tel: +64 07 347 9270
Website:
http://www.macssteaks.co.nz/
Hours: Everyday 11:30 - 14:00, 17:30 - 22:30
This place has been awarded every year since 2006 for its beef and lamb! Seriously, with such recognition, don't you think it's a must-try? We did try the various meats.
Poached Salmon Steak (NZD36.50)
A good slice of salmon fillet rested on parmesan risotto. The salmon is quite good.
Beer Battered Fish and Chips (NZD28.20)
The battered is tastier than the Auckland's one. The fish also taste better. What's with the potato in New Zealand? They are good!
Portobello and Kikorangi Blue Prime Eye Fillet (180gm NZD38.50)
This dish has bacon, potatos, mushrooms and beef on the plate. The bacon is a little hard and the potato is just normal but you won't complaint about it after you tried the Portobello mushroom and the beef with a little dip on the sauce. We ordered it medium but I prefer it to be a little more "bloody" to give it a little more juiciness.
Kiwifruit Marinated Lamp Rump (NZD35.50)
Lamb ordered as medium well is good. It's fresh and juicy that has no strong "lamb" smell. Honey roasted pumpkin and kumara are delicious too.
New Zealand's Prime Hereford Eye Fillet (NZD38.50)
The beef is just good, accompanied with kumara crisp and roasted vegetables with manuka honey sauce.
While you are here, I also recommend that you leave some space in your stomach for desserts. You will miss them even after you left the restaurant.
Chocolate Dream (NZD13.80)
If you're a chocolate lover, you will definitely love this. It's so chocolatety that you feel like you're eating chocolate bar. For me, it's a little too sweet.
White Chocolate and Bailey's Creme Brulee (NZD13.80)
This is the best creme brulee I've taken so far. The creme taste is strong with dairy which I love. It's just that the sugar crust is a little too thick but yet not too sweet! Lovely dessert that I cannot stop eating even no matter how full you are from the main dish.
Blueberry and Ricotta Tart (NZD13.80)
If you're going to order the above 2 desserts, don't order this together. The stronger tastes of the earlier desserts will cover the flavour on this tart. It's still nice if it's being eaten on its own but I think it would be better with a little zesp of lemon into the tart will bring out the appetite for this dessert.
Accomodation: Malfroy Motor Lodge
51 Malfroy Road Victoria, Rotorua 3010, New Zealand
Tel: +64 07 346 8053
Website:
http://www.malfroymotorlodge.co.nz/
Price range: ~NZD45-50 per person (free limited internet usage available)
As Rotorua is famous for its geothermal mineral pool, to save some money, this place has its own mineral pool at around 41 degree celcius and a hot water pool at around 37 degree celcius. It's a good place to dip and relax, especially during winter. ^^
You can book direct with the host but do remember to check for offers at tripadvisor or some other booking websites before making any reservations.
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