After a super breakfast at the Lodge we set of back towards Rotorua for our Riverjet Thermal Safari. The weather was deteriorating by the minute and by the time we were geared up in wet weather coats and life jackets the rain was absolutely tipping down. Our jet boat was named 'The Boss' and the driver was Adam. He had plenty of knowledge to share as we made our way along the magnificent river and was clearly passionate about his job.

The rain was coming down in stair rods and, in spite of wet weather gear, we were soaked to the skin by the time we arrived at Orakei Korako Cave and Thermal Park. However, never say die!! Never mind the driving rain, we took the ferry across the river and entered the park. We then spent an hour following the boardwalk and wooden stairs past an amazing array of bubbling springs, boiling mud pools and colourful silica terraces. Who was it who mentioned terra firma?? Believe me there is no such thing!!

Our tour finished with a 30 minute trip back down the river at full speed with all the usual jet boat thrills of 360 degree turns, etc, etc. It really was great fun, really enjoyable, in spite of the raindrops stinging your face like needles at such speed!!

As if we hadn't had enough geothermal for one day, we travelled on 15 minutes down the road and visited Wai-o-tapu Thermal Wonderland. The rain showed no sign of letting up but we persevered and did the 'long' walk round all the attractions. No matter how much we had seen already we were still completely blown away by all the boiling mud, sulphur pools, clouds of steam etc, etc. It is so hard to take in that this is all going on just below the surface of the planet we call home.

We eventually took ourselves back to Acacia Cliffs and were glad to dry off and enjoy a well deserved glass of Sauvignon Blanc. Once again we had the Lodge to ourselves this evening and, as before, were treated to a wonderful four course dinner by Rick who is an excellent chef. We love this life!!