Today has been pretty cool. Woke up at about 8:30am and had breakfast. Then grabbed my lonely planet guide book and headed out to do some exploring. Found a Starbucks (coincidence?? I think my body was leading me there...haha) and had a skinny capuccinno to escape the cold! Set out on the guide book walking tour which took me to Government Gardens, Lakefront, Ohinemutu Maouri Village and Kuirau Park (this is a free park that has so many hot springs you can't even count them!) Was wearing thongs (slops) the whole time because my feet cannot take any more pain from blisters rubbing against my shoes. REALLY BAD IDEA!! Surprised I didnt' get frost bite. I must have looked so stupid also walking along the street in 5 layers, beanie, gloves and then...thongs!! Once I had finished the walking tour went to the hostel to grab an apple and my ugg boots....feet were warm at last!!

Headed out insearch of Woolworths to do some grocery shopping and to find an internet cafe. Found Woolworths which is really amazing...it's like a gourmet shop rather than a supermarket! Went in search of an internet cafe and after asking various places (all were $3-4 for HALF an hour...so expensive) I found one for $3 for an hour!! They have a lot of tours and things to do here but they are all very expensive. There is a geyser that blows every morning at 10am but inorder to get there you have to catch a $20 bus and then to get into the park it costs $25. Finding most touristy things are pretty expensive but then again they are tourist attractions...

Am off to Lake Taupo tomorrow which apparently is really beautiful...getting colder as I go south!! YIKES!! Can't wait for the snow...