Rotorua

Dropped off Francy and Meike in Rotorua this morning. Rotorua is easily the smelliest town I have ever been to. Its tourist industry comes mainly from the number of geothermal sulphur springs that surround the area. Unfortunately, while they do mean there are lots of relaxing natural hot springs, the whole city does smell of rotten eggs.

In the morning I went Zorbing, which is a popular new sport that involves rolling down a hill in a giant plastic ball. Then in the afternoon I jumped out of a plane from 15,000ft. On top of that, we got a lift back in a limo.

Noddy’s “fact” of the day:

No mammals originate from New Zealand. Every single one was imported. Hence this is why so many flightless birds, e.g. the kiwi bird, have evolved here. The kiwi never had a predator, so had no reason to learn to fly. Unsurprisingly, with the possum being one of their biggest predators, they are now a very endangered species.