After leaving Rotorua on Friday, we went to a thermal wonderland. We had to get there early for the geyser eruption at 10.15am (only happens once a day). We virtually got front row seats and were amazed by it until it started soaking us with cold water. After that, we walked around the park looking at the different coloured pools and bubbling mud. It's weird seeing natural steam coming out of the ground (and it was very smelly). After leaving the park, we headed to Taupo. As we approached the town, we were amazed by the view of the massive lake.

As usual, we pulled up at a hostel to book in, only to be told they were fully booked and so were all the other hostels as it was easter weekend. By chance, we tried another hostel and smiled sweetly and as a booking hadn't showed yet, they let us have it (the booking did turn up later and they were not amused that they had lost their beds. Oops). The woman was very nice, otherwise we would of been sleeping in the car or the hostel lounge. As it was a nice day, we decided to head for the lake. We sat at the side sunbathing watching the ducks and people swimming in the crystal clear waters. We then took a drive up to Huka Falls to see the waterfall and take some snaps. We liked the hostel, wine was $3 a glass (approx 1 pound), we thought it was rude not to try it.

On Saturday, we asked the receptionist what there was to do in town and she told us about Craters of the Moon which we visited later that day and was similar to the thermal wonderland (just more steam). Marie then asked how much notice they would need if she wanted to do a skydive as she kept thinking about it. The woman rang up and said they had a slot at 3pm. As she was put on the spot, she said yes! Krisha then asked about the Huka Falls jet (speed boat up to the waterfall). We had a quick walk around town and then headed off to do our own things.

Marie - I was picked up at 3pm (by limo) to be taken to the airfield. I was very nervous but luckily another nervous woman was picked up so we tried to keep our minds off it a little. When arriving at the airfield, we watched a dvd of a previous jump, and the girl didn't look that scared in it. This made me feel a little better so I committed myself to the 12000 feet skydive. I was then strapped up and given a briefing. The plane was really small and fitted about 12 people on it. We had to sit on the floor in front of our skydive partner (a professional by the way). I was second to jump and I had to watch the lady in front of me drop out the plane first. That was quite strange. It was then my turn to shuffle forward and sit on the edge of the plane with my legs tucked underneath. We were very high up and I started to wonder if I was mad!! We then dropped and all you could see was the plane disappearing. The 45 seconds of freefall felt like lots of cold wind blowing in my face and it is one of the most strangest feelings in the world. My stomache didn't turn which was suprising as the ground was getting closer. Once the parachute was pulled, I just had the wonderful view of the lake and surroundings to look at. It was amazing from that height. I am so glad that I did go through with it and really did enjoy it. Thanks Sean and Mel as the money you gave me payed for the dvd, which will be on its way home soon for your entertainment. (As well as swimming with dolphins).

Krisha - I was picked up just before Marie by a transit van, no limo for me. I was taken down to the Huka Jet base for my 3pm boat. I had to put on a ankle length mak and life jacket. I felt like a prat. We then got on the boats and I sat next to a Chinese girl who I befriended as we waited. The boat was like a hovercraft and skimmed the water rather than gliding through it. First we headed down stream towards the dam and powerstation. We went at high speed and the driver kept doing 360 spins. We then headed back up stream towards the Huka Falls and the driver drove close to things so that we thought we were going to hit them. We drove close to the base of the falls before heading back. It was a really good alternative to the skydive as I am petrified of heights. I then met Marie back at the hostel.

That evening, we checked the wine again and it was still good. We chatted to some other backpackers before heading to bed. Yesterday (Sunday) we set off for Wellington, the capital of New Zealand. This was a 5 hour drive and we exchanged easter eggs on the way (we didn't want to miss out). It was a beautiful day and it was a shame that we were stuck in the car. We wanted to sunbath. When arriving in Wellington, we took a walk down by the harbour. Being the Easter weekend though, nothing seems to be open (quite different from England). As its easter, we decided to treat ourselves to a pizzahut as they have been everywhere in previous towns. It was our luck that there is no sit down pizza places in Wellington! We settled for KFC instead which was not that good.

Today (Monday), we are having a nose about but a lot of things are still shut. Hopefully we'll be leaving for the South Island within the next couple of days.