Walkin' in a geothermal wonderland...

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North of Taupo, bang in the middle of North Island, is a geothermal area known as Orakei Korako. Boiling mudpools, mineral-rich hot springs and dazzling, technicolour mineral displays abound. Nearby, Butcher's Pool is a natural hot pool ideal for a dip - if you can stand the heat and are not too worried about catching amoebic meningitis!

Our very last evening in New Zealand is spent in Raglan, a small surfing community only a couple of hours away from the hustle and bustle of Auckland. We spend the night in a converted railway carriage before making our way to the airport - and a long, long trans-Pacific flight to California. The last leg of this epic journey begins.

New Zealand will remain etched in our memories for ever - it won't be long before we're back. Of that I am certain.

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