Well from Waihi, further south again to a place called Rotorua - both a town and a region, known particularly for its geothermal activity, and its smell (sulfuric)... Somewhat like cabbage and / or rotten eggs... A bit of rain but mostly a smooth ride, taking in the scenery all the way to the big lake - and before heading to our camper park (Rotorua Thermal) we made a slight detour to a place called Hell's Gate - again a thermal spot, including mud spas and a na...

"Camp" for this evening is set just off Waihi Beach, which is effectively due south from yesterday's location (shelly), but with more ups and downs and winding roads. We took a detour to Cathedral Cove, which is supposed to have some pretty good wildlife and natural rock formations - but unfortunately (1) the track has been deemed unsafe by the authorities, (2) the weather was a bit overcast and (3) due to showers this morning, an explorer boat trip into the cov...

After a good (but relatively short) night's sleep at a decent airport hotel (which we were reliably informed by our driver is owned by a wealthy emirates individual), we set off to find out what was in store for us to take on our mobile home. And indeed we got a full induction including briefing DVD - exciting stuff. And then... off to the local supermarket to buy all those essential things - that place must make a fortune with the motor home rental business alo...

Last day in Oz - after a nice walk we went to the Maritime Museum, and in particular were able to visit a navy Destroyer and submarine (HMAS Vampire and HMAS Onslow respectively). The submarine was slightly outdated in terms of equipment as it was de-commissioned in March 1999 but still a pretty good representation of living space and operations! And... after waving goodbye to the koalas, here we are in the land of the kiwis! Yes, that's right, we've just arrive...