Seven Stops in New Zealand: Day 6 - Tauranga

Today did not start out particularly auspiciously.

I had a head cold. It was pouring rain. It was windy and cool. the interesting part of this region is at least 80km away. The tour we booked on the ground promised not much walking and then suddenly we found ourselves part of a walking tour. Our tour guide was as dynamic as a fern.

On the plus side, we did get to Te Puia, the geothermal reserve with its geysers and white crusted rocks steaming with sulphuric air and blooping hot mud pools. I saw my first live kiwi bird in the night house, tending eggs – so cute! And the 25 minute Maori welcome ceremony was held indoors where we could sit in warmth and comfort instead of standing in what was expected to be hot sun. I ate an awesome sausage roll. We drove by the fabulous Government Gardens and Museum in Rotorua, which is closed anyway due to earthquake damage, and there were no end of black swans and pakikos (spelling?) and their babies wandering around the edges of Lake Rotorua. I saw Manuka plants in bloom, heavy with scent, and alive with bees. We sped past kiwi fruit orchards with their tall tree wind-brakes and netting to thwart the many hungry birds, despite the season just recently having ended.

 

So it was a good outing, and another great day, and now we are back in our room, with cups of lemon tea. I had intended to go out to the show and the soul band tonight, to say good-bye to the meagre entertainment options as we wind down, but I do not want to take the chance of infecting someone else, so I shall read in our room and go to bed early, just like my mommy does. for once I won't prevent her from going to bed by 8:30pm!