Highlights of the Day
We flew from the South Island to Auckland and drove three hours to Rotorua, stopping at Hamilton Gardens. Initially unsure if it was worth the visit, we were impressed by its diverse themed gardens, including Japanese, Chinese, Indian, Italian, American, and British styles. Each showcased unique cultural elements, with the Italian garden standing out. Arriving in Rotorua, we noticed a sulfur smell due to its location in the Taupo Volcanic Zone. The town is also rich in Māori culture, and we plan to visit a traditional village like Te Puia to explore their heritage in the coming days.
Logistics
Accommodation: ROTORUA ROYAL PALMS RESORT (highly recommended)
Transportation: Rental Car
Today, we left the South Island and flew to Auckland on the North Island. Our first stop was Rotorua, about a three-hour drive from Auckland. Along the way, we visited Hamilton Gardens. At first, we weren’t sure if it was worth the time, but in the end, it turned out to be a great visit.
The garden is huge, so we only had time to explore part of it. This section featured Japanese, Chinese, Indian, Italian, American, and British gardens. Wandering through, we took photos and admired the distinct styles of each. The design was well thought out.
The Japanese garden emphasized simplicity. There were no colorful flowers, only trees with neatly trimmed green leaves. The whole setting felt peaceful and Zen-like.
The Chinese garden was livelier, with red-painted gates, small bridges, flowing water, goldfish, and bamboo groves. It captured key elements of Chinese aesthetics, including pavilions and terraces.
The Indian garden looked beautiful but felt a bit plain. A central water channel ran through it, with vibrant flowers on both sides. While colorful, the layout seemed too simple.
The Italian garden stood out. A statue depicted Romulus and Remus, the legendary founders of Rome, being raised by a wolf. The Renaissance-style design was impressive, though on a smaller scale.
The American garden was underwhelming. It featured a swimming pool and a mosaic of Marilyn Monroe on the wall.
The British garden was decent, though not particularly remarkable.
We spent about an hour exploring before heading to our hotel.
Upon arrival, we noticed a sulfur smell in the air. It wasn’t too strong, but it would be with us for the next two days. For those sensitive to the scent, staying slightly outside the town center might be a better option, as we noticed little to no smell there.
Rotorua sits within the Taupo Volcanic Zone, one of the world’s most active geothermal areas. This explains the sulfur in the air. Over the next two days, we’ll experience the fascinating attractions this geothermal activity creates.
Rotorua is also a significant center for New Zealand’s Māori population. Many Māori still live here, and traditional villages like Te Puia preserve their culture. We plan to visit one of these villages to learn more about Māori traditions. Since these cultural experiences are quite popular, booking tickets in advance is a good idea.
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