Hello and apologies for lack of blog previous two days - no free internet BOOOO! We are now all the way up in Rotorua, having spent the last two days in Taupo. Suppose that would be a good place to continue the blog really?

We left Wellington Thursday morning with another early pick up (7am... yawn) and battled our way through early morning rush hour to get to the bus terminal. Well, the driver battled on our behalf, we sat in the back praying to anyone who would listen that the mini-bus didn't break down in the middle of the chaos. We then got on another (double decker!) coach, sat down and travelled to Taupo.

That's it. We can't think of anything to say about the journey. The coach was comfortable, no nutters sat next to us, the driver appeared very normal (we couldn't even think up a story about him, he was a pretty cool kinda guy!) and the scenery was ok. One thing of note may be the significant reduction in numbers of sheep here - they were probably all on holiday in the South Island. All in all, a very sedate, mundane coach trip.

Got into Taupo around 2:30, and transferred again to our accomodation - http://www.lakeland.co.nz/. This place looks fab on the website, and the reception and restaurant areas were top notch too. We checked in and were chatting to the nice receptionist, who gave us our keys and left us to it. After about a million stairs (Poor Nathan insisted on carrying up the suitcases - Nat did offer to help but the thought of her bashing the s*** out of our already tortured bags was enough motivation for Nathan to make two trips up and down the concrete obstacle course) we found our room - 124. With great anticipation of what lay behind the patio doors and net curtains, we let ourselves in. Words such as "Oh My F God" sprung to mind. As did words such as "Butlins leftovers" or "Pontins Special 1975!" and "jeeees pink bathroom suite!". We also swear we could hear a soundtrack of cheesy 70's megamix being played discreetly from the very skanky wardrobe on a very old record player. The bed covers were immediately pulled back (with caution) to check for uninvited inhabitants or suspicious looking stains - luckily we found neither. We thought maybe we were just being snobbish, having been spoilt quite a bit by previous accomodation, and headed down and out of the resort to find a small sailing bar on the lake front, where we both ate a delicious, and nutritious, lunch of Beer, and apple and rhubarb muffins.

We returned with full bellies and thought we deserved a soak in the jaccuzzis - which do look fab on the website (minus the Kylie-Jason stunt doubles). After walking straight past the entrance and around the block in our bikinis and board shorts (much to the disgust of one couple who obviously cannot fit either of their fat backsides into swimwear, and thought it appropriate to show such disgust by pulling a rude face and moaning about us in their native tongue. *this is, obviously, an observation that could be completely wrong and misjudged; they could have been expressing their utmost love and respect for their fellow human beings, and were discussing how delightful it was to see such fine young specimens of the homo erectus. **They were bloody miserable b*****s at breakfast so assume the first observation is correct)

Anyhow, when we finally found the gate to the pool, we were once again faced with the patio doors-net curtain combo. The anticipation, and expectation of what lay beyond these barriers was soon knocked out of place by the intense heat of the room (windows hadn't been opened for approximately 23 years, and the heating was probably on too) and replaced by another round of OMG feelings. Under the faded blue foamy covers the spa pool sported a bluey-greeny-faded-in-the-sun-nearly-melting kinda colouring, and we couldn't decide what colour the water was. Supporting the spa pool was a single, vintage plastic patio chair. It looked tragic. And yes, we did get in. But, we didn't stay in for long; we both came up with the "I'm too hot, the water is really too warm for this type of pool" excuse to get out, but in reality I think we both understood the potential for dire consequences to our health if we outstayed our welcome, but were too scared to say it.

That evening we ate in the restaurant (we were about 5 km out of town) - surprisingly nice! Early night as we had another early start in the morning for our mystery day trip - neither of us knew what we had planned, only that we were being picked up at 7am, and needed to bring boots, water, warm clothing and a coat. 7Am came, we got picked up and spent 2 hours on a coach packed full of rowdy teenagers. When we got to the centre (still had no idea) we were separated from the others and met our guide for the day, Dave. The other guides all found it hilarious when we actually asked what the day would involve, and Dave said he'd take us on a gentle walk somewhere exciting (bush? forest? Lakeside maybe?)

The "gentle" walk turned into a 17km, 7 hour hike to almost 2ooo metres. And, we walked up, over and along a dormant volcano! It was incredible, awe-inspiring and knee-breaking. A few laughs were had at the serous signs of "what to do if the volcano starts erupting" with Nathan giving possibly the best advice I've ever heard (Bend over, head between your knees, and kiss your arse good-bye). After reaching the sumit (a sacred Mauri place) we descended off the beaten track and down scree slopes (lots of loose rocks - like a very steep, very fun, very dangerous volcanic ball pool). To get down, the idea is to go fast and confidently. Nathan took to this like a duck to water, as he was obviously a mountain goat in a previous life. Nat was a little more cautious, and ended up gracing the volcano side with her backside. Twice. (The second "bump" was due to an uncontrollable giggle fit caused by the first encounter). So much fun, and such an experience to get off the routine tracks :-) Flipping exhausted when we got back to the truck (free beer!!!!) but pleased to find out that the average time for that walk is 8 hours+ - we managed to do it in 7 comfortably-ish(!); Dave reported the quickest he'd done it with a group was just over 6 hours. Not bad for two not-so-fit volcano virgins!

That evening, we were in a sorry state. Both walking round (due to the knee-breaking effect of downhill volcano hiking) like 90 year olds who'd lost the ability to control their bowels and had little confidence in their bladder's water-tightness. We settled in bed dosed up on beer and ibuprofen, pillows supporting said broken knees, and hoped we wouldn't remain damaged for to rest of the trip. And yes, we both slept like logs.

Today we did the usual of climbing onto a bus, sitting there and then getting off somewhere new. Wont bother to explain about the fecking miserable old cow who wouldn't give up her seat for Nat to sit next to her (bus was fully booked) but some fab young guy called Jeremy moved so we could sit together (that just wouldn't happen at home would it? well, the miserable old woman definately would). Our accomadation is the oldest house in Rotorua, and is STUNNING. Had a lovely welcome, and Nat has fallen in love with possibly the most gorgeous Kiwi bloke ever. He's called Loki, he's got blonde hair, the deepest brown eyes, amazing (if ever so slightly overweight) physique, and has the same annoying habit of fidgeting a leg when settled. Awwwwwwww :-) Staying here http://www.robertsonhouse.co.nz/rooms.php in the gold room - the bath on display is all ours for the next 3 nights!

This afternoon we spent walking around Rotorua, through the parks where there are hot pools and boiling mud ponds (not sure thats correct terminology, but hey!) Great to look at, but they STINK. So we decided to walk around the lake front and ended up around by "sulphur bay". Nat managed to stop herself vomiting a record three times - getting a good lungfull of the aromas is not really a pleasant experience. Ate dinner at a really funky place called Fat Dog and the portions were GIGANTIC. So massive, I'm still stuffed now (3 hours later) and therefore feel like I need a bath, so will end the blog here :-)

Look out for exciting updates tomorrow - we're going up in a Helicopter!!! Whoop Whoop Whoop!

ciao! x x x x x