Rotorua Christmas Day

Wow, never had a Christmas like this before... One of the highlights of our trip in New Zealand.

Started the day with a big breakfast, pressies (thanks to everyone who send a card from the UK) and a lovely walk through a redwood forest to natural springs for a drink and to feed the ducks. Chris and Dave cooked a delicous Christmas lunch for us which was turkey free but lots of chicken, ham and salad. Hot day, very strange and we both missed 'Mum's cooking'.

We were invited next door to a massive Mauri family meal and celebration. They were having a Hangi, where food is cooked in the ground on hot coals. It was an amazing experience, seeing all the different parts of the process and also being there to see the hot food brought up from the ground and getting to taste some of the food with our hosts. They were so welcoming and friendly and it was great to spend some time chatting to the Mauris about customs and traditions. Fascinating! Nick has decided to have a Hangi at some point when we return to the UK. (we'll have to use the photos to remember how to do it!)

Rest of the evening was spent recovering from all the over-eating and another quick dip in the hot-tub!

Missed everyone at home loads, but know you're all probably having a great Christmas like us.