Rotarua

Day 7 drove back to Auckland and we had a braai (BBQ) at Sam and Huds place - member of the Tramping (hiking) group, they have joined, came round for a secret Santa. Hud and I assembled his new gas braai - we only just sorted it out in time . . . was raining quite a lot so we used the carport as the official braai area - plenty of shelter and air . . .

Day 8 - left with James (brother) and his wife Carole and son Marck for Rotarua. Saw some of the interior of New Zealand - lovely lush farmlands. Arrived at our accommodation - dumped our bags and made for the local museum - which was previously frequented by people from all over the world as it was believed the natural warm water springs were of great benefit for all sorts of ailments - George Bernard Shaw and the likes used to hang out here - must have been quite some journey in the day.

Later we sampled the culinary delights in town (went to Nando's - all my secrets revealed . . .)

All photo's in museum grounds - mostly of the restored Baths museum building and grounds + Bronze statues = Waitukei sculptures