Still making my way round the North Island of New Zealand! Since my last blog I've been to Napier, Taupo and now i"m in Rotorua. Napier was fun but there wasn't too much to do so I had a tanning session on the beach as the weather here is gorgeous. Then on to Taupo which was really pretty. Its right next to the largest lake in New Zealand and as everyone has told me (it must be the standard response) - the Lake is the size of Singapore.

In Taupo I did some kayaking and had a bathe in some hot pools. The water comes out of the mountain at 98 dgrees but luckily has cooled down to hot bath temperature by the time it reaches the river. I also saw the Huka falls which is a really pretty waterfall and then I walked back from there to towm which was about an hour.

Today I'm in Rotorua which is known as 'Sulpher City'. So far the smell hasn't been too bad but you do get whiffs of it every so often. I'm off to a Maori Cultural show in a few minutes which includes a traditional Hangi - a meat meal steamed underground. Tomorrow I'm going white water rafting for only the 4th time this trip! Its got a 7m drop waterfall in it and is considered a grade 5 rapid (hardcore for those uninitiated!!) so it should be good fun. To follow I've booked a massage and spa session at one of the thermal spas for the following day which should help me wind down. I move on to Mount Manganui on Wednesday for surfing and sunbathing. As I keep saying, its a hard life but somebody has got to do it!!

Hopefully I should have some photos for you with the next blog!!

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