Off at 8am for the trip from Rotorua to Wellington. It was an all day ride as we passed Taupo with its unusual volcanic geography, large tracts of planttion pine forest, and the large Wairakei Geeothermal Power Station. We travelled along the eastern edge of Lake Taupo to Turangi, where the landscape changed yet again to pastoral with many streams. We passed through Tongariro National Park where after a long desert road, we saw the sites of inactive volcanoes. ...

A relaxing most enjoyable day here. Unfortunately still raining, but comes and goes and not cold, but still windy!!!! Rosie took me for a tour around the bay and then to Weta Village, that is the location of all the Lord of the Rings, and many more movies. A husband and wife team started it about 20 years ago in their home and now the industry employs over 3000 people. Despite their success, the couple still live in the area in an ordinary home and their children...

Here I am in drizzly Wellington!!!! Flew here this morning from Hamilton. Plane was delayed because of fog in Wellington. Celia,s friend, Rosie, was to meet me at the airport but because of the delay, Plan B had to go into effect, as Rosie had a meeting she had to attend. So took the shuttle from the airport to downtown and found my way to the building where her meeting was. Left my luggage and walked to one of the most amazing museum,s (free too) called Te Pap...