This trip was pretty much an entire day on the bus. I had pre-booked my hostel room for 3 nights at "crank backpackers". Crank is a converted mall and does not have the same feel at all the parrot - but what the building lacks in character, the staff make up in kindness. The hostel organizes little events each night - really as an opportunity for guests to meet one another. I was able to participate in a pool tournament and a movie night. No cost for either AND they happen during happy hour so you can get local NZ beer for $3 which is really cheap in NZ!!
While enjoying my first happy hour beverage on the night I checked in, I asked the clerk about the local attractions. I told him I was interested in going to see the thermal pools but I didn't know if it was worthwhile because it is outside of town and the return shuttle costs $30. Well he hooked me up with 2 Dutch guys staying at the hostel that were going to go the next morning by car! Sweet! Both me and a French girl were able to go along with the Dutch guys so the four of us spent the day together. We spent 4 hours or more in "Wai-O-Tapu thermal wonderland". We first had to watch Lady Knox Geyser erupt (which was encouraged by park staff because it is a scheduled viewing), then we walked through various volcanic pools, bubbling mud and waters.
The next day I rented a mountain bike from the hostel and biked to "The Redwoods Whakarewarewa Forest". It's a fantastic park about 20min bike ride from the downtown that has over 90km of single track bike paths as well as horseback riding trails and several walking trails. It was really nice to be on a mountain bike again and to experience the true outdoors in New Zealand!
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