I woke up when Ben was making his breakfast again this morning. It was a lovely morning and he suggested I should take a walk up Mount Maunganui as I'd not done it yesterday morning! So he went to work and I packed my stuff up and started my walk along the beach about half 8. I'm desperate for a lay in or duvet day but I just keep telling myself I can do that when I'm dead. It was lovely out and warm already. I passed a guy meditating on the beach front, sat next to a can of energy drink - slight contradiction there but each to their own I guess! I wasn't dressed for this hike at all - jeans and a dark tshirt. It was a hard old walk to the summit - I kept thinking to myself, this better be bloody worth it! I had no water and no money on me. Epic fail. I chatted part way up with a group of old ladies doing it which kinda spurred me on - I wasn't going to be shown up by people twice my age! I'd also cracked out the RayBans today as it was sunny and it was the first time I'd worn my contact lenses again since my little incident. All seemed fine though. I made it to the top and the views of Tauranga and around we're amazing. It was definitely worth it! I ended up coming down a different way but I got to the bottom nevertheless. As I was climbing I wished I'd driven down to the Mount from Bens but I actually felt good after! I strolled back down the beach and slumped in to the car. Awesome.
And so began my drive to Taupo. I stopped at the supermarket on the way and stocked up on supplies. Grazing while driving is my new hobby and I love it. My car has also become my new bag on wheels! Just chuck it in! I also love how the sat nav tells me to 'drive for 50km' or something similar to that! Means I can concentrate on the view for ages and not worry about directions! I stopped for petrol again (fuel cap wasn't as issue) and got myself the Chilli Peppers greatest hits on CD - now my New Zealand soundtrack. Only coz the bloody radio keeps cutting out, every time there's a song I like too! Typical! Anyway, I stopped off at Huka Falls on the way to take pictures. Then I drove into Taupo, found my hostel, put a few bits in my rucksack and checked in. SO much easier! I treated myself to a double ensuite room in Base hostel as I needed a break from people! Was awesome and a pretty nice room too. I walked to the lake which was pretty and then wandered round the shops. I managed to fun myself a little kiwi bird charm for my bracelet to go with my koala from oz. Happy days! Simple things eh?! Also grabbed Robbie Williams greatest hits CD in a music store, love a bit of Robbie! I chilled in my room for a bit, then headed out for dinner, on my jack jones. I ended up in some Thai restaurant which was quite nice. First time I've eve eaten on my own in a restaurant! Bit weird! Then I showered and chilled back in my room, I've missed being able to do that so much! I did a wee bit of planning for the next few days, but only a bit! I'm just about to go to bed now, it's 11.20pm. There is a bar next door with a live singer that is so loud he might as well be in here with me. He has the whole of the bar singing along with him too which was fine at 8pm or whenever it started! Oh and pumping techno music coming from another direction. I'm currently sat here wondering if there's a way to cause a power cut and wipe out the power in the city? Gotta love hostels eh?!.....