Other trip days
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Morning Walk in Rotorua
The alarm went off first this morning, then the wake-up call at 6 AM. Had the luggage out at 6:30 AM and decorated the room with beads because it was Mardi Gras in New Orleans. Got dressed and set out for the park on the shores of Lake Rotorua to take pictures and to get drinks from the vending machine. Went back to the hotel for breakfast. Afterwards bought the Lord of the Rings (filmed in NZ) book and a cup holder at the hotel store
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Rainbow Springs
Drove through Rotorua and on to Rainbow Springs. Met guide Murray and saw the trout pond, native birds, and the Kiwi (better this time). Afterwards bought Kiwi poster, shortbread cookies, and a mug from the Rainbow Springs souvenir store.
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The Agrodome
Got back on the bus and rode on to the Agrodome. Saw lots of different sheep breeds and a sheep shearing demo. Saw the sheep dog show. Went outside and saw a sheep dog course and a sheep dog demonstrating herding sheep.
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The Bath House and Government Gardens
Got back on the bus and made a quick photo stop at the Bath House and Government Gardens (not everyone got off).
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The Flight from Rotorua to Queenstown
Back on bus and arrived at Rotorua airport to catch a charter flight to Queenstown. Waited for a little while in the terminal. Boarded the Convair 580 for the flight. Sat on the left side on row 6. Had a lunch on the plane with old time service and old Life magazines. Flew over Lake Taipo and across the strait to the South Island. Got to look around the cockpit and take some pictures. Did not see Mt.Cook because it was overcast. Landed in Queenstown after a bumpy descent though the mountains.
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Arrival in Queenstown - Jetboat ride - Evening Exploration
Got on a different motorocoach with Les (driver), who pointed out some restaurants. Arrived at the Parkroyal hotel on the Beach Street and to Rm 518. Bags arrived at the hotel room later. Met to walk around the waterfront and to catch the jet boat at 4 PM. Rode to the end of the lake on the jet boat and went up two of the rivers. NZ rivers are shallow so the jet boat has the ability to travel in water as shallow as 10cm. The jet boat did some 360 degree spin , throwing water spray on the passengers. We wore life preservers and raincoats. Got back to the hotel and ate at Fishbone’s seafood restaurant. I had the (NZ) green-lipped mussels and Kwut had the seafood spaghetti. Also bought some souvenirs and a T-shirt. Went back to get camera to take pictures and finally went back to the hotel. Took out the binoculars to see the southern sky from the hotel room balcony, getting a look at 47 Tucanae, LMC and SMC. Went outside and across the street to the lakefront to see the Crux (Southern Cross). Got back and used the coin-operated PC to send an e-mail to M and Bear. Started the laundry at 9:45 PM to 10:45 PM (violating the 10 PM limit).
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