Sites in Rotorua

Wednesday and Thursday we explore the town of Rotorua.

Our townhouse is just 1.5 kilometers from Kirau Park, a nice little walk.  Located near the town center the park is home to a number of steam vents and bubbling mud pools.  The scent of sulphur always seems to in the air in Rotorua, and the scent becomes stronger.  We stroll through the park taking time to eye the evidence of this volcanic area.

Another 1.5 kilometers further on the shores of Lake Rotorua is St. Faith's Anglican Church.  The church's exterior and interior are influenced by both Christianity and Māori.

From St. Faith's it is a three-quarter kilometer walk to Eat Street.  Along the way we pass a bicycle sculpture.  Appropriately named, Eat Street is a covered block of perhaps 20 dining and drinking establishments.  We stop at BREW, a craft beer pub toward the middle of the street for a red ale and a glass of New Zealand chardonnay. After all this walking we should come our even on calories in-calories out, right? After all, we still need to walk 1.5 kilometers back home.

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On Thursday we decide to see the Government Gardens and the Museum.  As we arrive at the Museum we are greeted by a sign saying it is closed indefinitely for earthquake assessment.  Bummer.  However, we are able to enjoy the exterior of the building and the rose garden.  On the lawn in front of the museum is the Rotorua Croquet Club.  Not something we see every day!

Thursday brings the weekly Rotura Night Market.  It is advertised to have the best the region has to offer in arts, crafts, produce from local producers and ethnic cuisines.  We walk the 10 blocks to the market.  There are 2-3 clothing/craft tents, one produce vendor and approximately 20 food vendors setup in everything from a remodeled 60's camper to tents.   We stop check out a few then sit in a beer garden to watch the mostly local crowd enjoying the evening. Great fun!