After Hahei we departed early heading back over the Coromandel Ranges and back down into Waikato passing through Hamilton New Zealands fourth largest city.Arrived at Raglan where we stayed at the Karioi lodge in the bush overlooking the Whale Bay Surf area. Raglan is a world famous surf spot (featured in a few films) and we had the opportunity to go to the surf school for the day but we decided to save our pennies and a few of us chilled on the beach watching people learn which was just as amusing! For dinner we had make it yourself 'Kiwi Burgers' (the best burgers we have ever tasted they were about 3 inches thick! with a gorgeous pesto sauce and all the fillings you wanted!)

After dinner a few of us went down to the Flying Fox (a zip line) in the forest. You are apparently meant to do it naked on your first go - its tradition and generally after consuming a lot of alcohol which we hadn't tonight so noone was feeling up to the challenge! We went in and watched 'Walk the Line' instead haha.

12th March- We left Raglan today heading for Rotorua but passing through Waitomo on the way where the famous Glow Worm caves are! We had both booked to do different trips in the caves.

Sarah did the dry 'Spellbound' trip - which involved trekking through the caves - very spooky. Then a boat trip so we could see all of the famous glow worms which were so pretty! And how can I forget feeding the eels in one of the streams! They were actually quite cute!

Niki did the 'Haggis Honking Holes' Yes thats what it was called! It was described as "Indiana Jones abseiling in a washing machine" which sounded quite appealing. We were geared up in wetsuits, gumboots and helmets with lights on. We got to abseil down 3 waterfalls, do some rock climbing and find our way around the caves with no lights on following the glow worms!! We had to crawl through some really small spaces on our elbows through streams of water. Saw crayfish and gorgeous Stalactites/mites which were thousands of years old. Came out of the caves exhausted and soaked through- well worth it!

Afterwards we set off for Rotorua where we were stopping for the night. We stopped to watch people zorbing in giant hamster like balls full of water down a hill, then got to our hostel, the Base Backpackers (which has its own climbing wall downstairs!).

From here we have decided to use Rotorua as a base to get across to the East where were going to visit people in Mt Maunganui and Gisborne. Going to make our own way their as our stray pass dosent take that route. Once weve visited/worked a bit we'll head back to see Rotorua and get back on the Stray bus for more adventures!