To Rotorua and Lake Taupo

Tuesday 29 January

Had our last chance today to dig a hot pool on the beach at low tide which was at 7.20am so jumped out of bed and walked over to the beach at 7.15am armed with a spade.Already quite a few people with the same idea including a family having a birthday party for one of their young kids.However we faced a losing battle with the sea as the tide was still pushing up too high because of bad weather out at sea, although we did sort of manage a small pool before a wave rolled over us to chest height. Retreated back to the house for a shower and breakfast with the other guests.

Departed for the first part of the 4 hour drive to Taupo following the coast road for about 2 hours before turning inland.Arrived at Rotorua and drove onto visit Rainbow Springs, a trout and Kiwi reserve where they raise Kiwi's from birth as they are now very rare and an endangered spacies.Managed to spot one before it went off to sleep!!.

Arrived at Chalet Eiger our base for 2 nights high above the Lake at Acacia Bay owned by Emil and Hemming ,he is Swiss and she is Korean, who were superb hosts.Fantastic place with beautiful rooms and views. They cook the dinner for the evening which was truly great along with 2 other guests Ian & June, a docter and his wife.We ate at their wonderful dining table with pre-dinner drinks on the terrace and a 5 course meal and superb wine. A great way to mix with other people over dinner, Hemming is a trained chef and her food is superb.Ian also liked his wine so we tried a few bottles, all of them good!.