Hi again! It has been a while as we only just got decent internet again.

We ended our visit in Raglan with a kayak through the pancake rocks in the bay. Interesting unique formations from partly eroded ancient limestone deposits.

Finding a place to stay over the weekend when many people were having to do the same was not easy. Unfortunately we ended up in what sounded like a lovely B&B but was really a converted garage. They had the promised lake views from the house, we had the driveway. when we told them we could not connect to the internet, they said uh, we can, you should be able to! Ah well, it was a place to sleep.

We were in the town of Rotorua which is known for its geothermal pools. quite amazing really, steam rising all over the town from under the ground.

We set off on a road trip the next day. Crazy twisty roads with hairpin turns and hills with a posted speed limit of 100 km/hr. Oh and down to one lane in many places due to slips and downed trees and washouts.

We stopped in Waitomo to satisfy one of Pierre's passions. No not me this time, a cave tour! I was somewhat reluctant as enclosed spaces underground are nightmare material for me. However we lucked out and were the only ones on the tour and could stand up and walk the whole way!

They are called glow worm caves, Glow worms are larval fungus gnats (sounds gross) that emit light in the dark to attract prey which get trapped in sticky filaments. Pierre was thrilled with the whole experience!

We continued on our way and kept thinking Dave's Porsche would handle these roads with ease! You would love it Dave!!

We have now landed near New Plymouth in a lovely cabin in the shadow of an extinct volcano, on a cliff over looking an amazing surfing beach!