A long day in the car today. Covered 300 miles over the course of the day with a few stops at some scenic points in Tongariro National Park. Good news is that we now have a full day in Wellington tommorow and we've just had a nice meal in town tonight. Weather is sunny but a bit chilly.

The nice weather we've had recently seems to have disappeared. Went geocaching in the Redwood Forest this afternoon and relocated the travel bug which we found in a geocache on the Isle of Wight in May. Have just cone back from a Maori Cultural Evening where we had another 'hangi' meal, saw some Maori dances and the 'haka', and saw some kiwi birds.

We've been to visit the famous hot water spring and geysers of Roturua today! You can see from the videos the geyser and just one of the springs that are everywhere around here. We've also spent a relaxing afternoon in the hot pools around here. You've got to be careful though - spending 2 hours at 40 degrees does slowly cook you! To prove the point we got back this evening to have our Hangi. Basically a leg of lamb and potatoes that had been suspended in volcan...

Headed south to Rotorua today, a big geothermal area. There is steam and bubbling mud everywhere around the town, along with a rather strong smell of rotten eggs caused by sulphur. Have found a great campsite (Cosy Cottage Holiday Park) and are staying in a thermally heated cabin. The site also has its own bubbling mud pool, 3 hot pools and a steam oven (or hangi). Just been to buy a leg of lamb and other ingredients so that we can try out the oven tomorrow.

Visited Cathedral Cove and the Hot Water Beach today. Hot Water Beach is so called because of the springs that feed it. On the photo you can see the steam coming off the 70 degree water. You have to be careful where you dig your hole because there is a good risk of scolding yourself! We managed to get quite a good spot until the tide (very cold) came in and destroyed our hole. The only distraction was a topless 50 something French lady and her toy boy in the next...