Whitianga and Rotorua

I got up early on Friday morning and boarded the big green bus. We went to Mt eden which is a big volcano that has great views over Auckland. We then got to Whitianga (pronounced fitty anger!) and Mercury bay. I decided to go kayaking with a few others on the sea around some beautiful islands and a beach. We were kayaking for a good three hours whihc was pretty intense and cold towards the end. It was well woth it though and the guide even made us a hot chocolate on the beach. We had spray skirts to try and keep the water out whihc made us look ridiculous and didn't really stop us from getting wet!

We got to the hostel that night where the owners cooked us a lovely spaghetti bolognase. Then the whole group of us went to some gorgeous hot springs for a beer and some relaxing!

The next day we set of for Rotorua. On the way we stopped foe a lovley walk in some caves and accroos bridges where the scenery was beautiful. We also stopped in Hobbitan village where lord of the rings was filmed.

Rotorua is one of the most cultural town on the north island and aslo has lots of geothermal activity. The Earth's crust is very thin here which means you see loads of steam coming up from pools of hot water. The pressure of the hot water build up and a big spray of water called a geysier comes out of the ground. We went to a museum that explained the geothermal activity, showed us a hot mud ppol and explained a bit about the Maori culture.

In the evening, we went to a maori culture night in a traditonal village. A boy form our group was chosen as the chief of our bus (wakka) so, when we got there he had to stand in front of the tribe (without laughing) whilst they danced, grunted, bulged thier eyes and stuck their tongues out. similar to what the all blacks rugby team do. We were told not to laugh or smile but I found that pretty difficult! They then showed us how they make things like clothes, weapons and tattoos and also some dancing and singing to welcome us. Out "chief" Lewis had to touch noses and heads with the chief and say kia ora which means welcome!

We then had a traditonal meal that they cook by placing the food and hot rocks in a hole in the ground and covering it for three hours. The food was amazing, it was just like a roast dinner and probably the best meal i am going to eat in along time!

Today a girl, from my bus, called Francis and I went for a walk around the park with more natural hot water pools and the hot, steaming lake. It rained and we got absoslutly soaked so we went to the polyneasen spa to warm up! It was so nice! It has many different small pools outside whihc are different temperatures and naturally from the lake. The lake does contain a lot of sulphur so this whole town, including the lovely spa, smell like rotten eggs! Lovely!

Im off for dinner and drinks in the bar now and get the bus to Waitomo tomorrow. Lots of love xxx

Will upload pics when I have time becasue it is taking way to long