Day 3 –Pauanui - Whangamata – Rotorua

Our little mountain chalet kept us warm and dry from the overnight rain, allowing us to wake as refreshed as the foliage. Actually Carly has had a sore throat for a day or two and is only feeling average, but she is soldiering on. I, on the other hand, am feeling fine (thanks for asking). We have been lucky with the weather. It has been mainly sunny, cool at times, and often windy, but we have only had one brief shower of rain to contend with so far and that was while driving.

After checking out of the resort, we headed back onto the now familiar winding roads that are a feature of the area. I must say that NZ roads seem to be pretty good though they seem loathe to employ any sort of safety barriers near steep fall aways- this seems to freak Carly out at times. It couldn’t be my driving, could it? Our breakfast destination, (chosen carefully from Trip Advisor), was a café at Whangamata – Blackies on the Beach. We had an awesome feed of french toast, berries and cream to accompany an egg & bacon buttie. Yes, that’s right, buttie. I thought that was a UK thing, but apparently not. I have also introduced Carly to jandals (NZ thongs) which she had never heard of. Anyway, amazing breakfast which we topped off with a short walk along the beach. Really nice scenery.

We travelled on for another hour or so and then detoured to McLaren Park Falls where we explored by car and walked as well. Pretty spot – would be good to visit for longer if we had more time. Back in the car and on to Rotorua where we grabbed a small arvo tea (note, no lunch!) and then proceeded to check into our hotel. All good there – lovely big room, big pool and spa which we may sample tomorrow, and very close to all the attractions. We decided we needed more walking (!) so headed off to the Redwood forest for a brisk 30 minute walk. It was lovely – we may go back tomorrow if time allows.

We were back, changed and ready by 5pm to be picked up to attend our Maori Village Cultural Night complete with Hangi Feast. The whole thing was great fun, and quite educational too. The bus driver, Aroha, was very entertaining and the various shows and activities during the night were great too. The hangi feast was really yummy, we bought our obligatory fridge magnets, and headed back on the bus, arriving home about 9pm. Should be another big day tomorrow.