Wednesday 18th July
Good afternoon Ladies and Gentlemen, It was nice to talk to the madhouse on the webcam (you know who you are)
Took the 90 minute drive South to Rotorua, the home of Geothermal activity and smelly sulphur. Our first stop on the way was Skyline Skyrides on the top of Mount Ngongotaha (778m) but we got as far as the lookout at 487m. You had to take the gondola up to admire the views across Lake Rotorua to Mokoia Island (famous in Maori history, love story) But the main attraction from up here was the purpose built Luge tracks that they have running down the mountain. There are 3 tracks ranging from scenic (1.7km) to advanced (shorter track but much faster)On the first run we both had to do the scenic run which was OK but a little slow, so on returning to the top by chairlift we took the Intermediate run, which was far quicker and less bumpy. Once back at the top Mel sat out the Advanced run to take pictures and I was off this was by far the best run and the fastest so much so that I had 3 goes at it!!!!Arrived in Rotorua and found our hostel then went for a walk around Kairau Park which has Small Geysers and mud pools that bubble with the heat from the earth.It was such an eerie place in a nice way there was steam coming from all over and the smell of the sulphur is really strong and pretty foul but you do get used to it, we even managed to soak our feet in a thermal hot pool for 20 minutes which was really relaxing.

Thursday 19th July
Our first stop today was the Whakarewarewa Thermal Area which is home to Te Puia and the Pohutu Geyser (the largest in the area) The day started with a traditional Maori greeting from the community and warrior with the laying down of a fern, which our chief must accept to gain entry to the meeting house (Whare.) Once inside they displayed Maori techniques and sang songs then it was our turn. First up was Mel to learn the art of the Poi (see our video on it!!) We have photos to follow but considering she does not know left from right it was a very good performance!!!Then they showed us the full Haka (rugby fans will know what this is) it was an amazing sight to see with the warriors bulging eyes and protruding tongues, then it was my turn up I got onto the stage and gave it my best shot which was OK but there are so many movements and you have to keep stamping your feet it was really difficult but so enjoyable and I looked the part. I should explain that to do the Haka you have to look fierce and menacing but most importantly Ugly, so 2 out of 3 ain't bad!!!!
Then came the guided tour and history lesson which again was so informative and we learnt way too much to put down here. But the main attraction here was the Pohutu Geyser and the giant mud pools, there is only 4 km of earth between us and the Magma of the volcano at this point!!!!We were lucky enough to see the Geyser erupt for around 25 minutes although the shortest eruption recorded was 1 second and the longest 329 days!!!! We also sat on the rocks near the Geysaer but they were so hot you could only sit for a few seconds before having to move. This place was a great way to spend a day and there was so much to learn. We are just heading into Rotorua to redeem our free drinks coupon and have a look around the shops as we move onto Tauranga tomorrow for 2 days.