We set off from Waitomo at 9am on the 28th, took a short walk through Ruakuri Reserve and headed for Rotorua. Rotorua is well known for its geothermic activity (where it gets its name Rotten-Rua, due to the smell of sulphur) and large population of Maoris.

As soon as I checked in I met Keighley and Stacey. It was great to see them both. We took a walk through the redwood forest, drove to the Blue and Green lakes and then to Okere Falls. Then off to Stacey's parents house for homemade curry (yummy!).

After food we went to Hot and Cold Pool, a mixture of water from two different streams (one hot, one cold), in the dark with candle light. It was so relaxing, basically like sitting in a huge hot bath (along with a slight smell of egg).

I decided to get the next Kiwi bus and stay in Rotorua for a little longer. I spent the 29th relaxing; taking a walk around town and as it was such a nice day, even sunbathed by the swimming pool (heated to 38 degrees!). I made friends with the Base manager and had free drinks all night - bonus!

On my last day I took the opportunity to take a canopy tour over virgin forest, just north of Rotorua. The highest point was 20m high and the zip line was 220m from this point, also learning about the conservation work takin place there to bring back many of the endangered flightless birds of New Zealand. It was great fun!

In the evening I went to the Tamaki Maori village to learn about their culture and eat a hangi meal (cooked by hot stones deep in the ground).