It’s a full day of activity today which starts with a visit to a Polynesian Spa for a relaxing time in the geothermally heated mineral pools to rejuvenate the body.

Didn’t quite go to plan as they said bring your bather , water bottle and flip-flops. Everything else was included when we booked. Wrong! We had to hire towels Not a great start but from then on in, fab!

A few hours in the pool and all are rejuvenated so it’s time to go and see the mud pools of Rotorua in the park 5 minutes away.

The mud pool are geothermal pools that are all over the park and very smelly.

Having had enough assault on the nostrils, we head back to base for a shower and another big event tonight – the Mauri Village experience. Food cooked in the traditional Mauri way – in the earth. A demonstration of mauri antient culture and a visit to see the glow-worms. Speaking of Glow-worms, have you entered my competition for a couple of weeks ago? if not, there is still time. Just put your guess in the comments box with your name. Entries close on mid-night 10th April 2024 UK time. And I bought the prize today and it’s worth it! Back to photos

It was a great night and a fantastic feast which was a brilliant way to end our trip with our amazing friends. Tomorrow will be a very emotional morning as we say goodbye and Julie and I depart for Auckland.