Next up after Taupo was River Valley, an exclusive stop in the middle of nowhere for Kiwi Experience only, with Bridge, our latest and grumpiest driver. I have to say, one thing I've been disappointed with has been the bus drivers on our trip. We were expecting holiday rep style people but instead they have all been pretty miserable and boring, with the exception of Jarrad, our hilariously foul-mouthed driver up to BOI.
The location of River Valley was stunning though, set deep in a valley after an hour of winding country roads. Being one of the few couples on the bus we managed to bag one of the cosy private cabins overlooking the main hall and avoid the 32 bed dorm (and the bed of shame)!
We'd looked into horseriding beforehand but didn't think the idyllic country ride would be much fun in the rain, so we headed across the river for a short hike instead with Tim, Annabel, Chris, Vicky and Amy. The scenery was spectacular despite the weather, and Lise finally got to wear her walking boots after missing out on the Tongoriro Crossing, which went a small way to justifying all the space they'd taken up in her bag up to that point!
We headed back to the main hall with the huge wood burning fire and started on the wine and beer before dinner - an epic beef roast, just like home! I think we must have eaten at least 2 or 3 plates of roast potatoes, cauliflower cheese, greens, yorkshire puds and beef. Stuffed! Such a change from the usual cheap backpacker meals we've been used to.

That evening we sat around the long benches by the fire playing drinking games and chatting long into the night, without internet, tv or phones to distract us. We've made such a nice group of friends, we'll be sad to leave Team Doom after Wellington.