Opening the window in the van and letting in the smell of rotting eggs confirmed that we were in Rotorua. The town is situated at the heart of New Zealand's most dynamic thermal areas. The Maori revered this place for its rich thermal qualities, artesian springs and healing thermal mud and even today the population of Rotorua is 35% Maori. The combination of the thermal resorts and the chance to see traditional Maori villages (mocked up for the tourists anyway)...

While still in Taupo we decided to take a look at the Aratiatia Falls, a narrow gorge that is flooded four times a day from the lake in order to feed the hydroelectric station according to demand. We got there for midday when a flooding was scheduled and found a good viewing area. It was impressive to see the small stream turn quickly into a raging torrent. From here we started the drive towards Rotoroa. A sign in the road led us to take a detour to a thermal a...

We both awoke relaxed and rested after the previous nights soaking in the mineral enriched water and after a quick breakfast and another hot shower (just because we can we thought we would take full advantage of the facilities) it was time to see the sights and pass the time until midday when I would be falling through the air at 200kmh strapped very close to a complete stranger.Normally I would have been worried about this prospect but I think I have panicked ou...

After spending another night in one of the DOC campsites our wallet was looking a bit healthier as it cost us nothing to stay there, again, but I am sure that 3 nights without a shower and after a half days canoeing we weren't smelling too healthy. It was at that point that Katie said she wanted to stay somewhere luxurious the coming night. She wanted a campsite with a shower! Next on our list of places to visti was Tongariro National Park. This is home to the...

The Whanganui river is one of the longest rivers in New Zealand. Originating in Mt Tongariro, this river was for many years the main highway linking Aukland to Wellington.There have been all sorts of craft using this river over time from simple Maori dugout canoes to the paddle steamer ships of the early 1900's. We opted for a rtather faster way of getting up the river. A V8 jetboat! After a bone shattering drive over gravel roads for mny kilometers we arrived in...