Hello Everyone,

Waihi had a wonderful beach but the site was very crowded. We went to Hot Water Beach but unfortunately the swell was so bad that we were not allowed to dig holes and wallow in the mud.

We have now moved on to Rotorua and have had a splendid two days doing the sights. First we went to Te Paui to see the mud pools and hot springs and we went into the Meeting House and saw a splendid Maori welcome/show. We had to touch noses and shake hands, of course. In the evening we went to the Polynesian Spa - different temperature pools and lots of different nationalities. We chatted to some German ladies who are also touring. I (Carole) noticed that one of them had a huge scar down her leg and she said she had paid a lot of money for a hip replacement and seemed surprised that my scar was much smaller than hers - says a lot for our Health Service!

Today we went to the Agrodome which was very interesting - sheep shearing, dogs jumping on the backs of sheep (not shagging), rounding up the sheep, etc. Very interesting and enjoyable. We watched a demonstration of the old woollen machine which converted the wool into yarn. Came from Huddersfield in 1907.

We then moved on to the Skyline which is a gondola ride up to the top of the hill (I think Sarah did this trip) and back down again on the Luge, which was great fun. The luge is a three wheel go-cart that you sit on and hare down the hill as fast as you dare (John being himself had his helmet on back to front!!). Followed by a ski-lift back up to the top and then back down again by gondola. Finally a dip in the pool plus three different temperature hot tubs at the camp site before drinks and dinner. We are now ready for bed and on to Lake Taupo tomorrow. Unable to update pictures as facilities are not available at this site.

Jean - I hope to phone Mrs. Cleaver tomorrow evening from Taupo but we will not have time to call in to see her/the family as our schedule is too tight.

Mandy - thanks for the text, especially regarding mum. I have spoken to her on the phone and plan to ring again soon.

David/Mark - how about an entry on the blog?

Sarah/Rachel - hope all is well with you.

Linda - thanks for message. I expect you are glad to get back home. Thanks for visiting mum for me; much appreciated.

Margaret - hope you are receiving these blogs. Please send us a message on the blogsite.

Contact you all again soon.

Love The Kiwi Quartet