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| the museum in Government Gardens |
Although I was really there for work, I did make time to visit Cottage Flair, a lovely quilting shop on Fenton Street. They had a lovely Jen Kingwell cushion pattern made up, and I bought a few fabrics for when I make it myself at home. I received Jen's book Quilt Lovely for Christmas, so I've already got the pattern.
On Saturday morning everyone split up into groups and went golfing, mountain biking, walking in the Redwoods forest, or exploring the geothermal areas. We chose to go to Waimangu Valley which includes the beautiful Lake Rotomahana.
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| Inferno Crater Lake - do NOT enter - boiling hot |
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| steam from boiling water in the cliffs on the side of the lake |
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| native bush - I love the greens |
Lake Rotomahana was created when Mt Tarawera erupted in 1886, killing 120 people and burying the pink and white terraces. You can see more about the pink and white terraces here. They must have been beautiful and it's such a pity that they now lie 60 metres (200 feet) below the lake level.
This volcanic area is still very active today, but there are many monitoring systems in place and the guide assured us they would have two weeks notice if there was to be another eruption. This valley is linked to White Island, and New Zealanders all know it still erupts from time to time.
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| Mt Tarawera as seen from our boat cruise on Lake Rotomahana |
You can read more about Waimangu Valley here - there's a lot to see in the valley, so allow at least 3 hours if you intend to visit. Like most of the geothermal areas, there are admission costs.
In the afternoon we went up in the gondolas because it was such a gorgeous day, and you do get a great view from the top.
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| the gondolas |
The Crankworx mountain bike event was on at the base of the gondola, so it was a very busy day with sightseers, mountain bikers, and people riding the luge.
Somehow Rotorua has acquired the nickname Rotovegas, but it's good to see them embracing it.
All up - it was a lovely break away, even if I did have to work part of the weekend. We're fortunate to live in a beautiful country.
11 comments:
What a beautiful place and a quilt shop to visit is a bonus. Thank you for sharing
what lovely photos and such a wonderful place to visit, the building is so very beautiful
I've been to Rotorua twice; once a very long time ago (I was pregnant with my youngest, so it must be almost 30 years) and more recently to visit Heather, before she moved back to Singapore. What a lovely spot on earth it is with the lakes, the volcanoes and the bush (or do you call them forests in NZ?) surrounding it. It seems you had a wonderful time.
so beautiful, thanks for sharing. it is always so nice to see photos from far away places
Looks like an amazing place to visit and the weather perfect.
Thanks for sharing your photos and memories!
Love your fabric choices.
We live in Rotorua....do you wonder that I pinch myself every day? Five minutes drive to the forest, 16 lakes in the area, lovely climate, 50 minutes drive to the beach, central to lots of places. And a lovely group of friends in my quilting group.
What beautiful pictures. Looks like you have a marvelous time.
Hi Alison - I can't reply directly because you are a no reply blogger, but we have friends in Rotorua and they go water skiing before work in the summer! It is a beautiful place.
Thanks Wendy. I think I have fixed it! So glad you enjoyed your stay here. Maybe you ate at Leonardos - if not, make a note to try it next time you are in town.
Rotovegas? Really?! I have never been, but I swear by the mud masks from there, whcih a friend bought me on her travels.
I think the cushions in Quilt Lovely are a big part of the book's charm. I want to make most of them.
I can almost smell it!
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