hey,

I set off on the kiwi experience bus on monday morning and its pretty much non stop hence why there are fewer posts. On monday we travelled to Mercury Bay stopping off in some small beachy towns in the Coromandle region. Really wanted to get off here and explore so I could look up some family that have been buried in the cermetary but unfortunately the itinerary was quite packed and I didn't get a chance to. Will definately come back to this beautiful place again though.

We then took a walk for a few hours to cathedral cove which is possibly one of the best beaches I've ever seen- pity the water was freezing. Then it was back on the bus where we burst a tyre and had to wait for rescue. Everyone in the group is really nice so it didnt matter, although most of this lot are pre-uni gappers and seem quite young.

Stayed in a really quiet town in Mercury bay overnight, then woke early the next morning for our journey to Rotorua. Along the way we stopped for a great walk through tunnels in the mountains. The scenery is just amazing.

Our second stop was in Hobbiton, a small town where all the 'Lord Of The Rings' crew and cast stayed during the making of the film. Over 255 sites in new Zealand were used for the making of the film, but 17km out of Hobbiton is where the shire was created. Was a bit disappointing though because nearly everything was dismantled after the films and has been returned to normal so there wasnt anything much to see here.

The best bit of the day was spent on the luge track in Rotorua. We took a skytrack up to the top of the mountain and were then equipped with helmets and sledge type go-karts to go down the mountain on a luge track. Some of the course was so steep and you can really get some speed up. Was quite scary in places but really enjoyed it.

Last night we checked into our hostels in Rotorua. The town is famous for its hot pools and it is smelliest place I've ever visited, it literally stinks of sulphur, Jack would not be able to keep a straight face but the locals seem to ignore the honk!

The evening was so much fun. We were taken to a cultural centre and then to a mock-up of a Maori village. The place was really well done, we were met by warriors who let us in the gate and got to wander around the village to see various things. We then watched music and dancing in the meeting hall and sat down for a huge feast prepared in the earth ovens. I stuffed myself at the buffet, I've reverted back to student days. Got back and had drinks at the lava bar in our hostel.

Staying in Rotorua for a few days because we're celebrating Jons birthday who's a guy off the bus and also need a bit of rest from the heavy schedule. It means we'll be leaving our group behind but its quite exciting to meet different ones each time.

Next stop Waitomo!