RThroughout the drive, we savored the pristine grandeur of lush vast expansive grasslands in the lap of hills and a delightful sight of herds of sheep and cows leisurely grazing along which explained why wool and dairy products have been New Zealand’s major exports. We, however, noticed that there were no gas stations for very long stretches and the public rest areas were completely missing on highways. The fact that New Zealand is a small country with a population of only four million may explain the absence of public restrooms and the scarcity of gas stations on the highways. At around 12:00, when we started noticing signs of population, we guessed we are making our way into the city of Rotorua. Suddenly, my husband remarked, “Why do I smell hydrogen sulphide?” Just then, I spotted the fumes emanating from one of the houses on the left side of the road. “What is it burning outside that house?” I asked curiously, and soon after, I sighted similar fumes emerging from another house we drove past. “This is what city of Rotorua is known for- the sulphur springs. It is a remidner of Rotorua’s volacanic history.” Arun said, unfolding one of his ‘secrets’ about the ‘wonders’ he had mentioned the previous night.
As we gaped in wonder the hissing steams emerging from road side vents, he pulled over at Kuirau Park at Sulphur Springs Point. Alighting from the car, we found ourselves in the midst of nature’s most extraordinary wonders available to us at no cost. Yes, there was no entry