Written 27th September 2011

Hello!

So today we had an early get up this morning but I got up extra early so I could have a trip to the natural geothermal mud/water pools. These are crazy things! Bubbling and spitting the mud flies into the air and the 100 degrees plus water steams away in the crisp New Zealand air! When I got up there was frost on the ground and I could see my own breath, so ye its pretty cold here!

The bus arrived at 8.50am and we all boarded. The first place we stopped was at Wai-O-Tapu thermal wonderland. Amazing! We first checked out a gigantic pool of mud that every so often would boil up and explode! I stopped there for ages trying to get the perfect picture… which I did! We then went on to the Lady Knox Geyser, a mini volcano that erupts at 10.15am every day. This is only because they add soap to it! After about a minute or so it started to bubble, then spit, then wooooosh! A massive 20m high jet of water flew out of the small hole in the top! Crazy! From the Geyser we went into the wonderland. We walked around a trail looking at craters, pools, mud pools, all bubbling away and letting of steam! Next was the Champagne Pool, a massive lake over 100 degrees with an orange layer just under the water and then rock edge. A beautiful sight! It was then a run to the waterfall and a great view over the valley before back to the bus to continue our journey to Taupo.

The Huka Falls was where I had decided to have a go at Power Jet Boating! In a boat, travelling at 50mph at rocks, edges and waterfalls! Oh and you get wet through! The boat also does 360 degree spins at crazy speeds! We flew up and down the river about 4 or 5 times and had a number of near misses with black swans, rocks and trees and then headed up to the Huka falls for a close up view! 200,000 litres of water fly off the edge every second! The driver then showed off to the people watching by doing a few more spins and soaked me through! It was great fun though!

We then arrived in Taupo and walked to have a look at the amazing views over the lake, which is actually the middle of an old volcano. We walked along the lake, through the town and then up to the natural springs! We stripped off, put on our swim gear and jumped into the 30 degree water, coming straight up out of the ground! It was soo warm, like a hot tub and was very very nice! In the evening we went to the local club for a free BBQ tea and then next door to the Irish bar for a quiz night! We didn't bother to stay and see if we won! Wasn't worth it as we were rubbish!

I have just arrived in the National Park after a great day but you will have to wait until the next blog for that one!

See you soon!

Tom x

Written 28th September

Hello!

I have just arrived in the National Park after a day of travelling from Taupo. On the way we stopped off at a few places to have a look around. The first place was Waitomo, home of the glow worms who live in the caves. After a night out list night me and the guys from the bus, Terry, Peter and ben, decided a full English was better then a walk through a wet cave. We then played rugby with a group of school kids before heading off to a ski resort. We drove past Mt. Doom from Lord of the Rings before heading up to Whakapapa Ski Resort! I was itching to ski and it was like torture!! We had a look around and then had a snow ball fight! UK v France! It wasn't too expensive so I might weigh up the options of south island! Now I am just on my way to the pub next door, the only other place in the National Park village for Fish and Chips and 2 pints! All for a tenner...

Tra for now x