We're on the road again, this time stopping over at Wanganui. We've opted for a stay at Wanganui River Top 10 campsite, which is right on the banks of the river, about 6 km from town. We arrived yesterday afternoon, and ventured into the city centre late afternoon for a bite to eat. Steve's made friends with Billy, a goat that lives here, by virtue of a running tether, on the campsite by the river. After a showdown of horns, Steve won Billy over with the skill of a horseman, and Billy will now gladly let Steve scratch the back of his head. They've formed a special bond and I think Steve's plotting some kind of trade-in. Steve's also been training the ducks to jump up onto the van step for bread. One young duck eventually ... read more

We finally did it! We put the inflatable boat out on the water. It's supposedly a 3-person boat but they'd have to be very small people to all fit in. Fortunately the water in Blue Lake is lovely and warm at the moment, and it's really clean and fresh, so it wasn't a concern if we fell in, only for the camera. Yes, the camera's a recent gizmo-gadget purchase to add to the ever-growing collection. It's primary purpose is to take mini movies of Steve's helicopter lessons, as a learning tool, as my other camera doesn't have a movie mode. That's my excuse, and I'm sticking to it! So, be prepared for more video postings (apologies in advance for the amateur editing and HUGE file sizes/ download times). We're house-sitting at the moment, for a couple ... read more

We're still alive! And we're still here in Rotorua. Hope everyone had a fantastic Christmas; we had a lovely day despite the rain - so much for the BBQ on the beach! Steve is building up his helicopter flying hours and has managed to hold a hover for a good 30 seconds without his brain exploding from over exertion! He's having his ups and downs with it, and it's not 'plane' sailing, but it's gradually taking off ... and he keeps getting a lift from it.... some days his head is in the clouds.... :-D It's camp-tastic here at base-camp Blue Lake. There are kids and boats and bikes and tents and BBQ's covering every inch of this campsite. There's a queue to use the toilets/ showers in the morning. Gone is our peaceful idyll! Gone ... read more

It really does hum here in Rotorua! Not the whole of Rotorua, but most of it. A strong sulphur-type smell, mostly unpleasant, but strangely a bit addictive... We're back on board the Blogmobile now, after an extended sojourn in Taupo. Been in a semi-comatose state for a few weeks now, chilling out in The Van. Now it's time to wake up and smell Rotorua! It's almost Christmas, I can't believe it! We've got 16 weeks left in NZ. Time is going so fast! We're staying at Blue Lake Top 10 Campsite, directly opposite the Blue Lake and about 6 km away from Rotorua city centre. It's set in bush land, complete with authentic bush bugs the size of bats. It seems we've been given the pitch where all the hover flies of Rotorua gather to breed. ... read more

In true Traveler-cum-Explorer fashion, we're still here in Taupo, thoroughly enjoying the chill-out time. We've been BBQ'ing every night and have almost mastered the perfect shish kebab; we've been into town in the afternoons to stock up on provisions, buy lotto scratch cards ($20 down so far), choose a DVD for the evening's entertainment on the Macbook... and other typical Traveler-cum-Explorer pursuits... We went over to Rotorua again yesterday, had a walk around town, some lunch at The Pig and Whistle (a former red-brick police station built in the 1940's) and Steve took another helicopter lesson. This time, he came away with a hat with 'Astral Helicopters' on the front, and a Pilot's Logbook (Soph, it doesn't have bear shaped buttons on the front that play a tune when you press them). Steve slept in his ... read more