This morning I visited Wai-O-Tupa,a thermal nature reserve,which was very impressive. Having seen nothing liek it before it was a really strange experience seeing bubbling mud and water shooting out the ground,but very cool. The colours were amazing aswell,and although they don't show up nearly as brightly on the photos,you get an idea i hope. After Wai-O-Tupa I visited a Maori village called Te Paui and was shown around the meeting house, the store rooms and classroom,and where the ladies weaved and the men carve all the intricate carvings. Really interesting. We were also shown how they make rope from leaves. It's surprisingly strong,and the tour guie gave me the piece he'd made so hopefully it'll stay in one piece on the way home... This evening I went to another Maori village for a traditional Hangi meal (where they cook the food underground on hot stones giving it a smoked taste) which was delicious. Before we could eat however,we were taken into the woods and into the Maori village and approached by traditionally dressed warriors chanting. They performed some rituals and dances for us which was incredible (and actually quite scary..). After eating we were taken back into the woods to see the glowworms and the fish in the lake.really good night. Tomorrow I head back up to Auckland for a couple of days before flying to South America on saturday!! Lots of love xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx