Final straight: Auckland

Said Kia Ora to the lake and headed a 2 km down the road to Hells Gate thermal complex, which, conveniently, had a spa. Checked in for a couple of aromatherapy relaxation massages.Lovely young Korean lady administered my treatment: thoroughly enjoyable, if a little invasive around the boxer short department. Judging by the snores being emitted from the bench next door, Annelise's masseuse was hitting the spot.

Recovered, and wandered around the impressive geothermal park which had some cracking pools of bubbling mud and a rare 3m high mud volcano.

Set off for Auckland; looked like the Sprinter was going to make it after all. Took in some good views at the North of Lake [Rotorua], especially the workmen cooking their lunch on the Barbie in a park. Stopped for lunch in Tipau, the NZ capital or corrugated iron buildings. The giant sheep on the way out of town were a testament to someone's creative architectural genius.

The population became more dense as we skirted around Hamilton and finally we hit the final straight: Waikato Expressway. Dire traffic on the way into Auckland, but finally came to Royal Road. Stopped at the liquor store in a very shonky mall and arrived chez Baldock at 6.

Chris fixed us up a beer and Rose and marinated some steaks. Hayley arrived back from work, the steak hit the barbeque and we settled in for a fine evening of Kiwi hospitality. Their decking had a distant view of the Auckland skyline, with the sky-tower winking red as the sun set. Steaks were most tender and Rhiannon's chocolate fondant was delicious.