Hello from Rotorua!

Arrived here last week and had a couple of nights in Auckland, which wasn't the greatest of places. The highlight of our time there was probably the half an hour we spent in an ice bar where, not suprisingly, everything was made from ice... not the bar staff mind! After Auckland we drove north to the Bay of Islands and spent some time there in a place called Paihia, after stopping off at a couple of places on the way. Paihia was a nice place and the weather was really good so we spent some time soaking up the sun on the beach. We also did some kayaking to an island off the beach, and my arms and legs have just about recovered! Butts also had his haircut number 3 (I think!) there - a real short back and beano... number 6 all over I believe!

After Paihia, we took a long drive to the Hot Water Beach on the east coast. The water was pretty warm there but we weren't sure if it was because of the good weather or not?! We'll give them the benefit of the doubt! We then headed to Rotorua, which is where we are now. Yesterday we went luging which was fantastic! For those who don't know, it's basically go-karting down the side of a mountain - absolutely awesome. Today we went white water rafting on the Kaituna River which was also really good. We went down 1 waterfall which was 7-8 metres deep and apparently the highest commercially rafted waterfall. Thankfully we never went overboard and all limbs etc are still intact!

Rotorua is a nice place but it's really quiet so 2-3 days here is definitely enough. Some parts of the place really stink, very bad... something to do with the sulphur, or last nights curry!

We're heading to Taupo tomorrow via Waiotapu, a place where you can see hot springs, geysers and exploding mud baths which should be good. Following that, we're off to New Plymouth for a day or 2 where we can see the volcano Mt Taranaki - fingers crossed she doesn't erupt during our stay! Will be in Wellington next Friday to meet Gem and Gav for their stay which will be grand! Then it'll be off to the south island to jump off bridges, out of planes, into canyons and generally any other extravagant activity that may appeal to us!

Well I'm now off as the Kiwi that owns this internet cafe is looking to kick me out as he wants to get down the pub sharpish!

So chow, be in touch again soon.

Dan