NAPIER (EAST COAST) AND ROTORUA (CENTRAL)

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Kia Ora from Rotorua!
It has been hard getting internet access. $30 a day at the hotels!!!
We had a lovely day at Napier. The buildings are lovely. I will load some photos when I can. I am using the computer in the novotel lobby. The drive from Napier was quite spectacular, rolling green hills, snow covered mountain peaks and acres of pine forrests. Really beautiful.
Yesterday we did the Waitaupo thermal valley - truely amazing. Masses of steaming craters, boiling water lakes & plopping mud pools.
Last night we went to Mittai Village. A local maori village here in Rotorua for a hangi and cultural performance.
RATKO WAS THE CHIEF FOR THE NIGHT! He had to be challenged by the chief and speak on behalf of the 8 world nations that were there.
It was a great night, the food was beautiful and we had to do the HAKA - how horrible for an aussie, especially after being beaten by the all blacks last week.
We are off to have a look around Rotorua this morning, before heading to Auckland later today.
Will add some photos and update when we get there.

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Photos

into Lake Taupo
This is the main road into the town and the lake

Lake Taupo
Lake Taupo is a huge lake the size of Singapore. It is mid way between Napier & Rotorua. It is famous for trout fishing

Waitaupo Thermal Reserve
Beautiful thermal lakes inside the reserve

the champagne lake-waitaupo
This a large thermal lake, see the steam, and it stinks of sulphur.

Bubbling Mud Pools
these were also at Waitaupo, make the most amazing plopping sound

Lake Rotorua
Misty, drizzly morning, but beautiful

Lake Rotorua
beautiful, even though the mist

Mittai Village
We learnt to do the Haka!

Unveiling the Hangi
It was Ratko's job as the 8 Nations chief to lift the covers off the hangi, the meal was wonderful, meat just fell apart!