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...