Auckland and Rotorua

Drove back to Auckland on the day of the dolphin watching and Hole in the Rock cruise. Stop at Whangarai. Back at Crowne Plaza - drinks reception so had champagne spoke to sous chef from Birmingham and service was a bit quicker! Relieved that Malcolm and co are all OK the news from Christchurch just gets worse every day. Mount Eden fantastic views of Auckland, coffee stop at Huntley. Waitomo Glowworm caves were brilliant - went through in silence on a boat. Sang Away in a manger in cathedral cave. Lunch at Otorohanga. To Rotorua and to Maori hangi with fantastic haka show and excellent food. Ecothermal tour with excellent Maori guide to see geysers and thermal activity. On duck tour to 3 lakes which was fun. Picked up at 3 p.m. by Judy and taken to farm homestead. Tour of garden and Norman drove us round the farm. Excellent dinner. Unfortunately Louisa and Peter came too and dominated the conversation. Music was mentioned but no chance to play the piano. Up early for breakfast and left at 8 a.m. from Millenium hotel, Did manage 2 swims there!
A long drive to Wellington - we stopped to see at Warakei to see geothermal electricity pipelines and Haku falls. Lake Taupo most impressive and then through volcanic area with great views of mountains. On through Taihepe and Bulls to Foxton - stopped at Flathills cafe. Arrived in Wellington and saw the beehive, parliament and outside of St Paul's Anglican cathedral. Intercontinental hotel the best yet but misdirected us to Our Lady of the angels and not the Basilica. However we walked along the waterfront and saw the civic centre and library. Another excellent meal and swam in the pool and enjoyed spa and sauna.