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Today was an early start and we got up ready to leave the hostel at 7.30am. We stopped off at a cafe place for some breakfast. We are heading to Rotorua today but enroute we visited the Karangahake Scenic Reserve to explore the stunning bush clad gorge. Our Kiwi Experience driver Buzz took us on a walk that follows the river, crosses over two swing bridges and goes through a one kilometre long railway tunnel. It started to rain when we were walking so we all got pretty wet. After the walk we headed to Matamata for lunch. Matamata was the filming location for Hobbiton (Lord of the Rings film). We stayed here for a bit and took photos in front of the Hobbiton sign. After lunch we were taken to our hostel - Base Hot Rock. We arrived here around 2pm. Gina and I have decided to stay in Rotorua for 3 nights as there is a few things we want to do here. So we leave the Kiwi Experience bus tomorrow and will hop on a different bus on Friday with new people on it to meet. Our stay in Rotorua is free with our Explore New Zealand cards. Loving it :-). In the afternoon everyone had the choice of doing the gondola and lurge rides where you drive your own cart racing each other down five kilometres of winding tracks and trails or going to Te Puia the most well known thermal park. Gina and I decided to do our own thing and got a few bits sorted for the rest of of the trip. In the evening we went to a traditional Maori cultural evening. We were picked up at the hostel by a guy who worked for Tamaki Tours. He was a bit arrogant and cocky. He seemed to know how to sing all the countries anthems. It was very funny to listen to him singing them. On arrival we received a traditional Maori welcoming at Tamaki Maori Village. Whilst being guided through the Realm of Tane we learnt a little bit about the history, culture and customs of the Maori people in the region. After the welcome we enjoyed the Maori cultural hangi (traditional Maori meal) and concert. The meal was a buffet and plenty of food to be eaten. It was such a great evening. We got this free with our Explore New Zealand cards whereas it's normally $85.00. We left the Tamaki Maori Village at 9pm and once we got back to the hostel we went to Lava bar and all got very drunk. We were all dancing and having a great time. When the bar shut we said goodbye to everyone on the Kiwi Experience bus especially Will, Scott, Becky, Nicola, Emma and Nikola. Hopefully we should see them again somewhere in the south island.
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