. OnHiatus.com > Journal 1 > Day Index > Journal Entry: March 13, 2000

Monday, March 13, 2000
Auckland to Rotorua, New Zealand
New Zealand's Flag

Map
Rotorua, New Zealand:
Latitude: 38° 8' 12" South
Longitude: 176° 15' 11" East
Altitude: 819 feet
From Seattle: 7949 miles
Lodging: Hostel - Rotorua Central Backpackers

Map
Today's Travel:
Country: New Zealand
Region: North Island
Route: Train: Geyserland Express: Auckland - Rotorua
Path:Auckland - Rotorua, New Zealand
Linear:130 miles
Weather: Overcast / Rain / Overcast

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Map
Trip Stats to Date:
Day: 1068
Linear Dist: 209364
Countries Visited: 68
Regions Visited: 256
More stats...
Hotels: 336
Friends / Family: 288
Camping: 121
Hostels: 240
Transit: 69
Other Lodging: 13
Beers: 3804
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Journal Entry:
Got up dreadfully early (dreadful mostly because of the half dozen snorers in the room). Called the train station to verify there was space on the morning train to Rotorua - there was. Quickly packed and caught a taxi to the train station. Made it to the train station with less than ten minutes to spare. By the time I bought my ticket and checked in I got on the train with about two minutes to spare. The route was the Geyserland Express - 277 kilometers and 166 bridges from Auckland to Rotorua. It sounded spectacular and probably would be except the weather was uncooperative - either gray and misty or rainy. Still a nice reminder of how much nicer a train is compared to a bus. Coming in to town was pretty amazing - steam vents everywhere. All the parks have vents, hot springs, and mud pools - even the golf course (how's that for a hazard).

Checked into the hostel around one, and sat down on my bed to read the guide book. I was so tired I just closed my eyes for a minute - and woke up three hours later! Went out for a walk along the lake through the Sulfur Bay Wildlife Sanctuary. Nothing too exciting - lots of birds and steam vents. Walked around the city center, checked email, and had a mediocre Mexican diner. Spent the evening reading, then at nine o'clock walked over to the sulfur and radium springs. Sat in the hot springs until closing time (eleven o'clock) then walked back to the hostel and fell instantly asleep.


Related Sites:
US State Department Consular Information Sheets: New Zealand
CIA World Fact Book: New Zealand

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