Time to leave the snow behind this morning! The roads were very icy so had to pull over and put snow chains on the coach.

We had to learn a song in preparation for the welcome with the Maoris tonight. It was pretty easy to learn thankfully!

Headed to Taupo where some people did the bungee jump. Didn't bother as that couldn't beat the one I did in Queenstown! So I just hung around and watched all the jumpers. The sun was out so it was nice and warm at least which helped. One girl, Sarah, took forever to build up the courage to jump, bless her! It took her about 10-15 minutes to finally jump!

Went to Taupo town for lunch, saw Lake Taupo. Have lost count the amount of lakes I've seen so far, tooooo many!

Went to the hot springs after lunch, the water was so warm! Am planning on going to a spa tomorrow so decided to just paddle and save the bathing until then.

Visited Wai-O-Tapu. Saw a big mud pool which was bubbling and apparently making gurgling noises. Of course couldn't hear it!

Headed to Rotorua where we're staying with Maoris in a marae tonight. Before we were welcomed to the family we had to do a welcome ceremony where the Maoris sang a song and us our song. Then we shook hands and touched noses which was quite funny, as it was different. Most of us tried to keep a straight face lol!

Chilled for a bit, there were so many nice biscuits! The Maoris gave us a performance which was great to watch.
The women and men had to separate and we were taught a dance to show each other. It was pretty easy to pick up thankfully as I have no rhythm of course! In the Maori culture, women are more important than men (whoo hoo!) so we went first.

Dinner was served! Great spread. Finally there were peas! First time I've seen some since travelling I think! As I have sooo much of it at home lol!

There was a little boy who was so badly behaved it was unbelievable! His parents didn't even discipline him. He was throwing things, kicking people and taking food off the table when he wasn't meant to.

We're all staying in one big room with mattresses on the floor and sleeping bags. It feels like a sleepover! Brings back memories of when I was little. There are so many carvings inside which are intriguing to look at.