Drive to Paihia Canoing Up early to drive to Paihia, about a 6 hr drive (actually ended up only taking about 5:30 - although we did use the toll way), Headed off 8:30ish. As per usual, the scenery is amazing - but the drive was very wet - is absolutely poured down in some parts, while we did get a few clear patches, most of the way it rained. Was still raining when we arrived at our accommodation just after 2pm. After settling in, drove into town (w...

White Water rafting (Luke) Massage (Rach) Zorb (Luke) Skyline & Luge Movies Up early (well for holidays… - 8:30) Rachel got a massage - and I went white water rafting. This was fantastic. Ended up with a group of Germans. After a training session, we were sent out (with instructor) - the rapids were grade 5, and involved 3 water fall, one of which is 7 meter's high - apparently the highest commercially rafted waterfall in the wo...

Travel to Rotorua Geotherman reserve Hells Gate Walk & Spa Off to Rotorua, on the way stopped at a Geothermal reserve. This involved a short boat trip across a lake, then a self guided tour of the area. This was really spectacular, with heaps of different colours, water spurting out of the ground. The walk took 1 hour and includes incredible vibrant coloured areas with heaps of geothermal activity, going down into a cave with a hot lake at ...

Waitomo Caves Adventure Up early this-morning and off to Waitomo Caves - just under 2 hr drive, with not much traffic. As always, great scenery. Weather continues to work well for us, with this the first day of full rain - and were going underground! When we arrived, were informed that due to the heavy rains that have been experienced, the Tubing has flooded out so can't be run - so we're upgraded for free to the more adventurous one (normally about $80 ...

Dam opening Hot Pools Rapids Jet (Luke) Huka Falls Rachel slept in, I had a spa, read & then drove out to the Jet place (a different one to the group I was originally planning on going with after the hotel advised the Rapids one - which I didn't know about - is better). Couldn't book in until 3pm. Drove over to the dam, which does an opening to release 18 million or so liters of water 4 times a day. This is quite impressive with a very...