Today Rich and the girls (Maggie & Gissie, two beautiful King Charles Spaniels) joined us as we toured along the coast towards Whakatane and the lakes between Kawerau and Rotorua. Rich remembered some hot pools where we spent a lovely hour relaxing before heading off for lunch bedsides the lake.

The dogs really enjoyed their day swimming both in the ocean and the lake and we enjoyed watching their fun.

The cover photo on this entry was taken from Vicki and Rich's deck at sunset. We will look at this and remember our time here, especially on a cold dull day back in the UK. This is such a fantastic spot and it's lovely to have spent time with friends in paradise!