Firstly I must apologies for the lack of contact and updates of late, my excuse? I am in the giant adventure playground that is New Zealand! Now my friends, I have a few sports, sorry, i must re-phrase, X-TREME sports injuries to report. Yes, I have indulged in a few activities not designed for people like me and I can confirm that they have all be excellent!

The first activity we did was black water rafting which involved stretching on a wetsuit, putting on a hard hat, wellington boots and making our way underground with a rubber ring each. Despite the cold it was really good travelling along the streams in the caves, being pulled along in a chain and looking at all of the glow worms on the ceiling. It was a bizarre experience but really nice to look at and even better, no injuries to report.

So, the following day, and another wetsuit later (obviously not designed for anyone with the slightest curve), we go white water rafting. Not doing anything by halves, we go for a grade 5 river (can't go any higher) and the highest commercially rafted waterfall in the world (7m). So myself, Leah, one instructor and a slight and vertically challenged lady get in this huge raft and hope for the best. We didn't flip or lose an oar, it was great fun, however, I did acquire numerous injuries, not one to go on about these things but I had: 1. a slightly bruised fingernail; 2. bruising to the left thumb; 3. an almost dislocated shoulder.

Our bodies deserved a rest after the abundant activity so we went over to a Polynesian Spa (voted one of the top 10 in the world). Due to the geothermal activity in the area the whole place STUNK of rotten eggs but once you get used to it, you can relax knowing that the natural pools should be doing you some good. Not so. Three coach loads of Japanese tourists descended upon the small pools, chatting, singing and generally disturbing the peace. We sat it out but did not have the fulfulling, relaxing experience as promised in the brochure.

Our time in Rotorua was rounded off with a Maori Concert which was brilliant, we sampled their food, Hangi, which is cooked underground and absolutely delicious. What a great time we had in this small town, all in a day and a half too! And so dashing onto the next stop...