I can't believe it's been a week since the last blog - we have done so much in the last 7 days! The three places visited have all been so diverse - everything from idyllic beaches to geo-thermal landscapes to volcanic treks!

One good thing about New Zealand's roads is that you are never far from something amazing to explore. Our drive from Paihia to Whitianga (in the Coromandel Peninsula) was 5 hours, but there were amazing stops along the way - the most notable being Whangarei Falls, a waterfall 23m high. It was stunning and a good break for our drive.

When we go to Whitianga, we were lucky enough to have a room overlooking the beach, which was just beautiful. The area is well renowned for its beauty and waves for surfing! We had one full day in the area and so made the most of it - first stop was Hot water beach, which is a beach with volcanic springs 2km under beach. This means that when you dig a hole in the beach 2 hours either side of low tide, it fills up with hot water - surreal but awesome! It took a while for us to find a good spot (not too hot, not too cold) but when we did it was fab - and great fun digging the hole! We then drove to Cathedral Cove, a picturesque beach which is well worth the 45 minute walk to get there… We spoke to a couple from Bristol who have travelled the world extensively and thought this was the most stunning beach they had ever seen - it was difficult to disagree with them… We haven't found much in the way of nightlife in rural NZ, so are enjoying the sunsets on the beach and making the most of the peace, before we get back into the cities!

Our next stop was Rotorua, known for its geothermal activity, you certainly know when you are there from the stench of sulphur (like rotten eggs!). The first day there we explored the local parks and Sulphur Bay by Lake Rotorua- you could stand on active volcanoes, peer into massive craters and see boiling mud, it was amazing .

That night, we visited the Mitai Maori village - we had been intrigued to learn of the Maori culture. We learnt of the history of the Maori tribes, had a cultural performance (including a haka!), a mammoth feast (hangi), bush walk and saw glow worms! It was really interesting and we had to have a lie down after the feast (we took full advantage, given our current diet of tortellini and super noodles!)

The next day, our hostel had told us about some natural hot springs which were local secret spots - one was shut due to a fire risk, but the other (the 'Hot and Cold river') was open so we decided to explore. Once we found it (off the beaten track) we were pleased that it was really quiet with just one French family there who had been told about it by their camp site. The spot is an area where the currents of a hot spring meet a cold river, so you can change the temperature you are in by moving around the streams. It was a bizarre but amazing experience! I'm not sure what was in the river but whatever it was didn't agree with my rings and the white gold was stripped off them - I'll have to get them re-dipped when back home but hey, all part of the experience!! We spent the afternoon in Waikete Valley Natural Springs and enjoyed the relaxation of the pools with natural hot spring water. We had a private spa overlooking the boiling river running through the park!

Next stop was Tongariro National Park to do the Alpine Crossing, one of the world's most spectacular one day treks. Tongariro National Park was the setting for Mordor in Lord of the Rings. The trek offered great views of the three volcanoes / mountains in the area - including Mount Ngauruhoe which is Mount Doom in Lord of the Rings, as well as the lakes. Due to recent eruptions, part of the walk had been blocked off so the start / end point were the same. We left early to try and get in the car park and avoid the expensive transfer costs. The walk was 19km in total and I was a bit apprehensive as parts are extremely steep. It was difficult and whilst climbing the Devil's staircase I thought I had bitten off more than I could chew, but continued and the views at the top of the red crtaer of the lakes and surrounding craters were well worth it!! We ploughed on and the walk took us 6 hours in total - not bad going!

Next stop is Wellington and then down to the South Island for more national parks, glacier trekking and city life!

Amie xx