Extreme sports!

22nd - 23rd January 2006: Rotorua, North Island

Rotorua is a popular tourist destination due to it's geothermal activities and lake. Our reason for heading straight there however was to try out the infamous Kiwi-originated past time of zorbing. This basically involves rolling down a hill in a pvc sphere. It's that simple and stupid; only the kiwis could have thought up something like it. The original zorb has you strapped up inside the sphere but unfortunately, due to unfavourable weather conditions, something we'd become used to hearing, this option was unavailable. We could however try out hydro zorbing. In this case you are in the sphere strapless and more than one person can go down in the same sphere at the same time. And as the name suggests, they also throw in a load of water for good measure just to ensure that you can't treat it like a giant hamster wheel and try to run your way down the hill. As soon as you start moving you fall flat on your backside.

It will probably come as no great surprise to you all, but I'm a bit of a scaredy cat and was pretty apprehensive at the thought of being thrown around this sphere, especially now with the added prospect of my face meeting Ed's elbow. However, as soon as we started rolling down, sliding about the place, I was sent into a fit of giggles. Zorbing is just plain silly. Luckily neither of us experienced a misplaced elbow or foot in the mouth either which helped. So, the next time you're in the area then definitely give it a go; they also do it in Dorset so there's no excuse...


As mentioned, Rotorua is famous for it's geothermal activity. The country is located on the so called 'ring of fire' where the earth is in a constant state of upheaval. This is most evident in Rotorua, being on New Zealand's volcanic plateau where geothermal activity is pronounced. So, on our second day, we decided to take it easy and join the rest of the tourists by visiting Hell's Gate, apparently the most active geothermal field in the region. Firstly we had a walk round the area where we saw steaming fumaroles, erupting mud volcanoes (pictured) and cooking pools. The place was hot. And smelly.

We then 'treated' ourselves to a mud bath. According to the brochure, the mud promotes the regeneration of skin cells, detoxifies and purifies and assists in the prevention and elimination of acne. Not sure if any of that is true and I don't think either of us noticed a difference in our skin but I found it surprisingly enjoyable wallowing in the warm murky water. Unfortunately, we were then forced under cold showers (to close our pores, or so they said, kiwis just seem to enjoy pain) before indulging in a hot sulphur bath. So, all in all, a pleasant day. Just a shame that we smelt of eggs for a good few days afterwards. Not recommended as part of a pre-first date beauty regime, that's for sure.