Back roads continue

Day 4 began with the usual breaky at 7. Grand arrays of fruits and grains and eggs and bacon. We proceeded to the shore of Lake Rotoiti for our kayak trip across the lake. You will notice from the pictures why they call this the land of the long white cloud (aoteroa).


- after about 5 k we had a soak in the hot springs


Then on to lunch and a trip to the agrodone where we had an extreme tractor ride and watched the sheep shearing


I even gave zorbing a try.





Dinner that evening was in the Marae of our new Maori friends. It was a moving peek into their world. Complete with nose press (hongi).


And even included the men presenting their version of the warrior dance .haka.


Day 5 was a real geothermal adventure. The morning bike ride was about 20 miles through lush green farmland and rolling hills.


Lunch was at the hot springs with time to soak.


That afternoon we had a guided walk through the geothermal pots. This area was created by the volcanic eruption in 181ad that created a giant coldera.


But the day's highlight was Bills bunghi jump into the Waikato river in Taupo. He said the first moment of the 160 foot free fall was terrifying but all in all the 5


that jumped were thrilled. I will try to send a video on my next post.