Made our way to Mount Maunganui a big surf town with a big mountain on the end. We decided to start by climbing up the mountain. I think we chose what was the steepest path. Did have great views of Mount Maunganui and the pennisula from the top. After this we opted for a lazy afternoon in the sun on the beach. Aaron braved the cold water while I happily read my book on dry ground. We then drove to the start of the following days walk at Katikati. We set off early the next day on the walk as it was susposed to be a 7 hour walk. Even though it wasn't a steep uphill climb it was a continuous up for most of the day which was quite tiring. We did see some enormous trees which would of needed at least 4 people holding hands to fit around them. As it was a forest walk we saw mostly trees as there is a lot of them in New Zealand. It was quiet as we saw no one during the whole of the walk something that would rarely happen back in the UK. It didn't take as long as expected as we made it back for early afternoon giving us chance once again to laze on the beach for a bit. Waihi beach was near deserted and it was very idylic.

Next morning we began with a short walks to another waterfall. It wasn't as impressive as the last few but it had a nice double drop. A little early for a swim as the sun had not been out long. We thought we would have a chance for a soak and swim at Hot water beach. Here your susposed to dig yourself your own spa in the sand. This would be possible if there was any beach space as this seemed to be the main tourist attraction so far. Aaron was convinced it shouldn't be called hot water beach though more like luke warm beach. More tourist attractions followed with Cathedral cove walk which is a busy but beautiful stretch of coastline. Ulike most people we were less prepared and were not dressed suitable for a swim so didn't hang around long.

In the morning we headed for our fateful horse riding trek. It didn't start too well for me as my horse was quite happy dawdling at the back much to the annoyance of our leader who decided to swap me onto her horse. This one was a lot more obedient. Aaron was doing fine untill I heard a loud bump and the sound of fast moving horse hoofs. Aarons horse had got his foot stuck on a hill and start to fall/gallop leaving Aaron in a heap on the floor. He was braver than me though and followed the saying that once you fall of a horse you have to get straight back on again. At this time it just seemed like a few bumps and cuts but this was not the case. When Aaron tried to put the key in the ignition he couldn't and when he looked his wrist was at a very funny angle and swelling quickly. The lady took us to her doctors and I headed back to the farm to fetch our wallet. In order to get back as quickly as possible I hitched my first ride. It turned out to be pretty easy as I was only waiting a minute.

On the doctors say so we headed for hospital with Aarons wrist in a bandage to keep his wrist straight as possible (at this point they thought it wasn't broken!). This made driving to hospital tricky but possible. It turned out he had done a good job of breaking his wrist. The radius bone at its widest point. With a cast on we headed to the closest caravan park for the next couple of days. All we did here was lay about in the sun as nothing is open on good friday and we were both a bit sore from horse riding to attempt any long walks. The funny part is Aaron made several comments saying that horse riding was far the most dangerous sport we had attempted so far. He was deffinately right I don't think we will be repeating the experience.

Despite the broken wrist Aaron had another tricky drive to Auckland where the van will be picked up from. At least the roads were straight for once. We didn't manage to do everything we wanted to on this Island due to the many hospital stops but nevermind as it gives us plenty of reasons to return. I cannot leave New Zealand without commenting on all the people who drive around on a sunny day with there lights. Why will someone tell me why?

South America here we come!