Day 81 Taupo - Rotorua

On advice took the back road avoiding the State Highway 5. Travelled on Broadlands Road which went on for miles, the mist was down very low but at least most of the logging lorries were using the main road. This is a volcanic region with many underground thermals, it looks like the hills are smouldering but it's the steam excaping. Took a picture of the Lake but the steam might have merged with the morning mist! Stopped for coffee in Repora and then travelled on to converge with SH5 once again. Plenty of Logging lorries but at least there is a hard shoulder. Sun out now and the scenery looks good again. Arrived in Rotorua early so decided to have a look around the town. Nice place, lot of people told us not to bother with Rotorua but we are pleased that we did, it's an interesting place with the first mixed thermal pools constructed in the Victorian times. We passed Lakes Waimangu, Waiotapu and the area has a strong smell of sulphur (bad eggs) many birds flock to the area for warm bathing.

Day 82 Rotorua - Whakatane

Set off @ 10 am to cover the 87k required today. Steep hills to Hells Gate (Thermal Park) and then onto Lakes Rotoiti, Rotoehu and Rotoma, great riding around the lakes' edge for 50k. A bit up and down but beautiful holiday homes hidden in the trees. Long ride but ended up in a very nice motel room with TV and spa bath. . .alright for some!!!!

Day 83 Whakatane - Ohope

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY SPENCER AND LYNDAXXXXX

Only 5k today over the hill and into a lovely Bay for the Day with views of the White Rock. Some glass on the road which went through Keith's tyre, we had to visit the local bike shop to get a replacement. Ohope is Whakatane's holiday beach in the Bay of Plenty. Lovely holiday homes once again along the beach (very expensive). We spent several hours just walking in the sea.

Day 84 Whakatane - Tauanga

All Maori names now Ron and we keep on asking people to pronounce then again and again. . . trouble with getting old you just can't remember a bloody thing. Left around 10 am this morning to complete 95k to Tauanga. OK until Matata and then joined SH 2, too many lorries to be comfortable and a very strong headwind to contend with. Past many Kiw fruit plantations apparently but I didn't see them. Found a lovely Motel, with lemon, orange, fig trees in the grounds.

Day 85 Tauanga

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LYNDA ON YOUR 30 SOMETHING!!!!!

Have decided to stay today and have a look at the best beach in NZ and it was beautiful, one side of the peninsula was ocean and the other side the harbour. Just spent time relaxing.

Thanks for your e-mail "Bald Fat Bloke with lovely Wife" so pleased to hear that you are having a great time apparently holidaying in Norfolk - Love to you both.

Dave & Lin - trust that you didn't get carried away at the Caravan and Camping Exhibition and that you really kept your wallet at home, but we just can't believe that. Hope you two managed to get away on your holidays? . . , we have been hearing about the volcanic dust above Europe. It looks as though that might well affect us also. - Love to you both.

Have a great time away Spencer and Lynda XXXXXX

Thanks for your e-mail David and Pauline, good to hear from you. I think that I have covered most of your questions in our blog but will reply again in the next few days in more detail.Love to all XXXXX.

Lastly and certainly not least REALLY hope that Lissa, Keith and the little ones got back from Cape Verde before the volcanic ash hit the fan???????