So, Mercury Bay......really beautiful, we walked down the beach to a gorgeous place called Cathedral Cove. That night we stayed in a well random hostel, the couple that ran the place were pretty old and really loked after us. Homemade spag bol and garlic bread for tea then games of pool until bedtime. Shame about the rain, however, the All Blacks game was pretty spectacular!

The following day we headed to Rotorua which is where we are now. Rotorua STINKS, and I mean STINKS, the whole town smells like rotten eggs from all the sulphur. Rotorua, as one dear friend put it is full of "geothermal madness and Maori history", so on our first night we went to a traditional Maori ceremony where we were walked around a recreation of a Maori village and saw a show then were fed an amazing Hangi feast. Hangi is how the Maori's used to cook, basically underground. The meat goes on the bottom then the spuds, veg, fish and steamed pudding on top. It was so tasty. After dinner all the Maori's performed the Haka which was fantastic, but hard not to laugh at the facial expressions!!!!!

Today we are planning to either go to a Polynesian Spa or visit some of the natural hot pools around Rotorua. Eight of us have all chipped in and are cooking up a good ole British feast of sausage and mash tonight then there is a toga party kicking off in one of the bars.......!

Loving NZ so far, but missing South America A LOT It feels very strange having travelled from East to West coast of a continent by ourselves through some dodgy areas etc, now we feel a bit like we're on a school trip. However, we are making the most out of Kiwi Experience (of the "Germ Bus" as it's commonly known...!) Very much looking forward to South island and seeing a bit more natural beauty.

Next stop Taupo

Much love to all the readers xxxx