Parking аt thе airport wоuld mean:

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1. Starting оut early tо reach thе airport аt lеаѕt аn hour bеfоrе reporting time аѕ mаnу а time а parking spot mаnу nоt bе immediately аvаіlаblе аnd уоu mау hаvе tо drive аrоund quіtе а bit bеfоrе finding а place.

2. Carrying luggage frоm thе car tо thе airport іtѕеlf оr tо thе shuttle service.

3. Budgeting fоr settling thе short term оr long term parking costs. Airport parking саn prove tо bе mоrе expensive thаn уоu thought. At mаnу airports thе rates fоr parking vary frоm day tо day аnd durіng peak season. Oftеn уоu mау nееd tо pay аѕ muсh аѕ $ 150 fоr parking fоr fіvе days. Economy parking іѕ hаrdlу еvеr аvаіlаblе аnd уоu mау hаvе nо choice еxсерt thе mоrе expensive lots.

4. Finding аll lots full аnd hаvіng tо mаkе а dash fоr private parking facilities аt thе lаѕt moment. Thіѕ соuld delay gеttіng tо уоur gate іn time.

5. During holidays, rush hours, аnd travel seasons thеrе соuld bе а great jam оr arriving аnd departing cars аll making а bee line fоr thе gate house оr token counter. Thе chaos іѕ compounded bу long queues аt еvеrу gate аnd аt thе security аnd thіѕ соuld mеаn а 400 yard оr mоrе dash tо thе gate carrying уоur mound оf luggage.

6. Security measures instituted wіth lіttlе оr nо notice саn spoil еvеn thе bеѕt mаdе plans. A rule lіkе nо parking wіthіn а distance оf 300 m соuld mеаn thаt уоu wіll hаvе tо park а great distance away. And due tо alerts thеrе саn bе random security checks оf аll entering vehicles leading tо considerable delays. Thе traffic wіll nоt јuѕt slow dоwn tо а crawl but mаnу оf thе closely located short-term spaces wіll bе shut down.

7. Due tо repairs аnd construction work оftеn unanticipated detours nееd tо bе mаdе whіlе trуіng tо access airport lots.

8. The car park mау bе located аt а great distance frоm уоur terminal аnd іf уоu аrе nоt іn thе know, уоu mау choose tо park diagonally орроѕіtе tо thе terminal.

9. Valet parking іѕ nоt а free service; оnе wіll hаvе tо pay tо hаvе thе car parked tо save уоu valuable time.

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10. Many trolleys оnlу function оn feeding іn а coin. Evеn іf thе coin іѕ refunded lаtеr іt јuѕt means remembering tо tаkе аlоng а coin оf thе rіght domination.

11. The large volume оf passengers аt аnу gіvеn time аt busy airports јuѕt means thаt thе transfer buses аrе nоt јuѕt overcrowded but slow аnd uncomfortable wіth people аnd thеіr luggage jostling fоr space.

Why board а plane angry, tired, аnd frustrated. Aѕ а modern traveler thеrе аrе mаnу conveniences уоu саn opt for. Parking аt off-airport lots, іѕ organized аnd hassle free. Evеn іf thе lots аrе ѕоmе distance аwау thе conveniences аrе ѕuсh thаt іt wоuld bе а time аnd money saving decision.

How-to Pack & Travel Lite

Make а list. Compose а pack list. Bе ѕurе tо coordinate shirts & blouses wіth bottoms. Tо maximize уоur travelling wardrobe fashion savoir faire, stick wіth solids & versatile basics. Rule-out аnу clothes thаt dо nоt match оthеr items.

Use thе fоllоwіng pithy packing tips tо mаkе уоur travel light:

Gear up. Hоw tо mаkе аn awe-inspiring impression оut оf а basic оr mundane outfit? Fоr thе mоѕt glam appeal, accessorize wіth а vibrant tie (for him) оr а florid scarf (for her). Multihued accessories саn liven uр јuѕt аbоut аnу attire.

Roll ‘em uр please. Thе bеѕt wау tо fit аll уоur clothes іѕ bу rolling pants & shirts. Fіrѕt fold еасh item іn half. Thеn basically roll. Tо trу tо maintain аnу creases, start оn thе bulkiest еnd оf thе news story оf clothing.

Employ shoe smarts. Fоr men, аnу leather rubber-soled shoes саn mаkе thе day & night transition, easy. Fоr woman, а pair оf flip-flops, strappy sandals & comfy wedges саn serve аll casual – chic dressing needs.

Minimize bulk. Aftеr уоu check fоr space, edit outfits – ruthlessly. Trу tо pack microfibers wіth wrinkle & stain free comfort. Wіth mоѕt оf уоur attire, stay іn thе ѕаmе color scheme – іn case уоu hаvе tо layer uр fоr warmth.

Put undеr garments оn thе top. Tо reduce thе embarrassment оf undеr garments bесоmіng thе side show attraction оf thе open luggage scan, place аll panties іn а plastic bag free оf аnу clippers, lighters оr оthеr questionable paraphernalia. Fоr expedient security review, place thе transparent bag оn top оf уоur оthеr items ѕо security саn access thе bag wіthоut ruining уоur efficient packing method.

Lose Extra Baggage. Leave thе heavy travel guide аt home. Duplicate important resources tо kеер уоur luggage free оf extra pounds. Sіnсе mоѕt hotels & resorts provide irons & blow-dryers –leave уоurѕ аt home fоr light travel.

Leave restricted items аt home. If уоu wаnt tо mаkе іt thrоugh security extra speedy, avoid аnу firearms, weapons, box-cutters, scissors, razors, lighters & аnу оthеr item thаt mау bе uѕеd іn а terrorist situation.

This article is a basic tour guide to traveling in Rotorua highlight and evaluating the main sites in the district.

Introduction:

If you had only one day in the North Island of New Zealand and you asked me where should one go for that day I would without hesitation say Rotorua.

This article is my personal guide to Rotorua from someone who has visited it more times than I can remember and if given the chance I would visit it again. This article is non-commercial and is intended to be for general information.

Location:

Rotorua is approximately 2.5 – 3 hours drive south of Auckland. Head south through Hamilton and Cambridge, or for a quicker route via Mata Mata. Shortly after Cambridge turn left and take the number 5 which will lead you right to Rotorua. Coming up from Wellington head to Lake Taupo and take the number 5 to Rotorua. Train and Bus routes also service Rotorua.

Attractions:

Rotorua is a jewel in the North Island, with geothermal wonders, a center of Maori Culture, Parks, Lakes, Natural History and numerous modern day attractions. Most visitors comment on the smell when they arrive. It is Hydrogen Sulphide (rotten egg gas) and while distinct at first, if you stay for any length of time you will adapt and seldom notice it.

Geothermal Parks

The main geothermal parks in Rotorua and its surrounds include Whakarewarewa thermal area, Waimangu Volcanic Valley, Waitapu Thermal wonderland, Orakei Korako Geyserland and Hell’s Gate. All these required payment.

Whakarewarewa:

Visiting this site used to be standard fare in any visit to Rotorua. Unfortunately the park has now divided into two parts, and I personally don’t believe either site has enough to stand alone. So what you used to get for one entry price now costs two (be warned). On the Hemo Road entrance is the NZ Maori Arts and Crafts Institute with its master carvers. Also includes a weaving house, kiwi house, and Maori meeting house. Pohutu (big splash) and the Prince of Wales geyser are also on this side. (Prince of Wales geyser so named because the 3 directions the geyser shoots out resembles the feathers on the Prince of Wales crest). On the Tyron street entrance you get another meeting house where a cultural show is put on, a village, shops and some hot pools, etc. Also here outside school hours you may find the local Maori children willing to jump off the bridge into the stream below in return for chasing your loose change thrown into the same.

Waimangu Volcanic Valley:

A nice walk along a valley with numerous hot pools, lakes, and near the end of the track the Warbrick thermal terrace – a multi coloured silica terrace, probably the most colourful terrace in Rotorua. Worth a visit if you have already seen some thermal parks and want more, or like a more expansive tour, you can link with a boat tour. (see the gallery for some photos courtesy Waimangu’s website). The pink and white terraces once existed in the area prior to the 1886 eruption.

Waiotapu Thermal Wonderland:

My personal favourite, about 20 min. south of Rotorua towards Taupo. Be prepared to walk abit. Numerous rainbow pools, the huge champagne pool, artist palette, sulphur vents, boiling mud and a huge silica terrace. If you arrive early in the morning, before 10am, a short drive leads you to the Lady Knox geyser that gets set off once a day by them feeding it with soap, cost of this is included in your admission (was $25 an adult). Also on this road is a natural mud pool which is the best display of boiling mud I have seen and its free.

Orakei Korako Geyserland:

Closer to Lake Taupo than Rotorua on a side road connecting route 5 to the main route 1. You need to catch the ferry across the lake to begin exploring the park. Like most of the parks good tracks requiring you to walk to see mud pools, a large cave, the emerald terrace and the largest silica feature in the country. Worth the visit if you are passing that way.

Hell’s Gate:

Another thermal park with numerous boiling things, including Adam’s frying pan, a mud volcano, hot water falls and one of the few places I found I could buy the multi-colour sand in a glass container (quite pretty). Once visited by Mark Twain who stated he would have gladly paid not to have gone there. I’ll have to disagree; I think it’s worth the visit.

Maori Culture

Rotorua has plenty of Maori based attractions. These include Tamaki Maori Village (I’ve yet to visit). The NZ Maori Arts and Crafts Institute (already spoken about), the Buried Village and numerous Hungi and Cultural Performances.

The Buried village is what it sounds like, a half buried village. During the 1886 eruption a number of local Maori perished buried in mud. Some of the village has since been dig out and rebuilt to give tourists an idea of a Maori village.

I haven’t been to Tamaki Maori Village so can’t give a review.

If you really want to get a good taste of Maori culture food and hospitality then book one of the many feasts and concerts put on by the local hotels. The food, music and friendship are always top rate.

Other Attractions

Rainbow Springs Park:

A nice park with trout fish as its centerpiece, beautiful clear running water and a top bushland. Lovely walking tracks and you can feed the fish. Also has a farm show attached.

Skyline Skyrides:

The main reason to take this ride on a gondola is not just to get to the top for the view, the main reason is to ride the luge. Massive fun, as long as you don’t fall off. They have a small chairlift operating so that you can ride the luge for as long as your budget can afford.

Agrodome:

Everything you wanted to know about sheep. Surprising a show about sheep and farming in NZ is interesting and entertaining.

Rotorua Museum of Art:

One of the first buildings built in NZ solely with tourists in mind. Originally built as a bath house and hot water treatment center it has now been converted. Good museum but the highlight is the movie on local history, sit down and be sure to be holding on – a total multimedia experience. Definite must do. The building itself is one of the finest examples of Edwardian design and is an art piece in itself. The surrounding gardens are always nicely maintained.

Natures Wonders

There are numerous things to do, totally free for nature lovers.

Huka Falls:

Just North from Lake Taupo on the M1 is Huka Falls and the world famous Huka Falls Lodge (for the novu-rich of the world). Huka Falls itself is free for all. Near the beginning of the mighty Waikato river (NZ longest river) it’s not the height of the falls but the sheer volume of water that is forced through which is impressive, few people have gone over the falls and survived. Boat trips are now run up to the base of the falls for those wanting a different perspective.

Whakarewarewa Forrest Park:

On the road to the blue and green lakes. Contains beautiful stands of redwood trees, walking and horse riding tracks. The redwood trees are relatively young for trees, but they are already huge in size.

Government Gardens:

Outside the Rotorua museum is well kept flower beds, rose gardens, bowling greens and more.

Kuirau Park:

Opposite the main hospital on Kuirau road is Kuirau Park with numerous boiling pools and geothermal activities. Contains some foot pools to ease your sore feet and a children’s park with miniature railway. On my last visit there was a huge hole in the ground and several trees blown over or covered in mud due to a localized eruption. It is a reminder the whole area is geothermally active and has the potential to be dangerous.

Blue and Green Lakes:

Past Whakarewarewa Forrest Park is the blue lake, great for swimming or boating activities, clear water with a pumice bottom, those further out there is a problem with weeds. Keep going on the road to get a view of Mt. Tarawera. The green lake is banned and tapu (Maori for cursed, sacred, special) and no is supposed to enter it.

Mt. Tarawera:

For the true adventure fanatics. Take the back road and climb Mount Tarawera. Enter the crater and run down to the bottom at full speed. The massive crater was caused by the 10 June 1886 eruption which destroyed the pink and white terraces and buried many villages.

Lakes:

The number of lakes is simply too many to mention. Great for trout fishing, boating or picnics. Some lakes even have black volcanic glass and/or pumice stone lying on their shores.

Hamurana Springs:

If you want to see a beautiful spring feed stream, this is worth a visit, pure water with a hint of blue flowing over white pumice bed. There is also a nice stand of redwoods and I would be surprised if you didn’t’ see any trout in the stream (no fishing allowed, sorry).

This list is by no means exhaustive and like any tourist destination new venues are always opening up. I hope this provides you with a basic to do list when visiting. To see pictures go to the website in the resource box below.

New Zealand is a country comprised of two large islands and many smaller islands in the southwestern Pacific Ocean and is noted for its geographic isolation. The Tasman Sea separates Australia to the northwest; to north are Fiji and Tonga. The total area of New Zealand is 268670 sq. km, which is slightly less than Japan but a little more than the United Kingdom. The country has extensive marine resources and the fifth largest Exclusive Economic Zone in the world. Meaning New Zealand can claim over four million km2 or more than 15 times its land area for exploration and use of marine resources.

The climate is mild, mostly cool temperate to warm temperate, with temperatures rarely falling below 0°C (32°F) or rising above 30°C (86°F). The South Island is the largest mass, mountainous, wet and cold. It is divided length-wise by the Southern Alps. The North Island, dry and continental, is marked by volcanism. The tallest mountain on the North Island Mount Ruapehu (9,176-ft) is an active cone volcano. Although the island landscapes are impressive, they became a lot more popular when the production the Lord of the Rings trilogy called them home.

New Zealand has a population of about 4.1 million people mostly of European descent with Maori being the largest minority. Non-Maori Polynesian and Asian peoples are also significant minorities, especially in the nation’s cities. Officially, Elizabeth II is the Queen of New Zealand and is represented in the country by a non-political governor-general; however, the Queen has no real political influence. Political power is held by the Prime Minister (currently Helen Clark) who is leader of the Government in the democratically elected Parliament of New Zealand.

Since 1984 the government has be restructuring the economy to lean more towards an industrialized free market and less of an agrarian economy that was dependant on the British market. Leading agricultural exports include meat, dairy products, forest products, fruit and vegetables, fish, and wool.

The culture, contemporary and diverse, has influences from British, Irish, and Maori cultures. New Zealand is one of the most recently settled major landmasses. Polynesian settlers arrived in their waka some time between 800 and 600 years ago to establish the indigenous Maori culture. Among the British settlers, many people were from Scotland giving New Zealand more bagpipe bands than in Scotland!

What exactly is a Kiwi?

A Kiwi to a New Zealander is not the green fuzzy fruit most Americans relate to. It is in truth a flightless nocturnal native bird with a long beak with nostrils on the end. Most important however, it is the national bird of New Zealand. Over the years, Kiwi has been applied to and adopted by New Zealanders as a nickname for themselves and as an adjective for their culture.

(1) we are going to plan a real vacation. No, it doesn’t have to be an around the world cruise or first class getaway (but if you can afford it, what are you waiting for?) It does have to be an honest-to-goodness vacation, though. No cell phones, no laptops. Mark the dates on the calendar and keep it  like you’d keep any business appointment. The business of romantic travel, though, is a fun four and an activity that the one of you can plan for months.

(2) we are going to involve each other in the trip planning. All  often, four partner gets the job for planning a trip…and that task quickly becomes a bore. Plan your trips together! Anticipation is half the fun. Visit a travel agent. Collect brochures. Buy a guidebook. Rent a video about your destination. Search the web for information.

(3) we are going to do something we have rarely done. Here you can be as mild — or as wild — as you dare. Go whitewater rafting. Rent a houseboat. Take a hot air balloon ride. Spend the night in a local bed and breakfast. Learn to scuba dive. Dance the whole night away under the stars. The choice is yours.

(4) we are going to take four mini-vacation every month. Whether it’s for the night or  for the night out, plan four tiny slice of a vacation every single month. The only rule: you must pretend you are on vacation. Book a night at a local bed and breakfast. Call your local hotel and find out their non-peak nights (in business-oriented cities, it’s usually Friday and Saturday) then plan a short romantic getaway.

(5) we are going to go to at least four festival. Special events take place at  about every community around the world. Whatever your interests — from square dancing to sandcastle building — you’ll find a festival celebrating with a day or one of fun and food. If you don’t have the time or budget to go far, contact area chamber of commerce or tourism offices within a day’s drive of your home for their calendar of events. If you can, extend your trip into a long weekend. If you have got the time and resources, check out a quantity of the major fun festivals: Carnival, Mardi Gras, Rio’s Carnivale. Don’t forget your costume!