Are those the beans talking or does Rotorua really smell like rotten eggs?

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The Thermal Park outside of Rotorua is a truly gassy place

The Thermal Park outside of Rotorua is a truly gassy place

Yes, Dear Reader,

we have been traveling by car… A small car…  With two male children the interior can get…. Well… Kinda smelly.  So you can understand our quandary after driving into Rotorua- who dealt it? The malodorous children or township?  Score 1 for the town, a rare but quite clear fact upon opening the door at the fabulous Regent of Rotorua.

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The Hobbiton- A Waste of Time and Money (for Californians)

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Gentle Reader,

Beautiful Rolling Hills and Sheep

Beautiful Rolling Hills and Sheep

I am never one to disrespect a beloved landmark, but remember my description of Kiwi’s? No Hollywood (i.e. pretense/narcissism)?  Well, Hollywood made it’s way to Matamata, New Zealand in a big way- self-aggrandisment and big ego are all apart of The Hobbiton (c’mon Californians we are trying to get away from Hollywood on vacation).  Matamata is GORGEOUS lots of thoroughbred stud farms, sheep and rolling hills.  A bit like another favorite place Calgary, Matamata is green, bucolic and filled with farms.   Until you hit, The Hobbiton.

The Hobbiton Sign in Matamata

The Hobbiton Sign in Matamata

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