Sandi sets the pace

Bay of Islands was beautiful but the dolphin trip was even less successful than the one in Adelaide. Not only did we not swim with dolphins, we didn't even see one. This entitled me to a voucher for another cruiseand it is valid for life. So, if you fancy the chance to swim with dolphins at any time in the next 30 years or so just drop me a line and the voucher is yours.

I don't want to go again as it was very rough once we got out into open water. The young man who was very happy to sell me a Kitkat seemed a lot less happy when he was washing the same Kitkat off the side of the lovely boat. The tablets failed and became part of the Kitkat mix.

Thankfully, Rotorua more than made up for the disappointment of the dolphin trip. This was due mainly to Sandi of Sandi's B and B fame.

Sandi was on hand to welcome Pete and I from the airport shuttle and showed us to our house. A whole house to ourselves! Our New Zealand accommodation has all been good but Sandi took us to new heights.

Not only did we have everything we wanted, including separate rooms with large, comfy beds, but Sandi was determined that we should get the most out of our 2 night stay. Within minutes of arriving she had whipped up a challenging itinerary.

The next 40 hours or so were a whirlwind of activity that involved:

A gondola ride followed by numerous goes on the luge - a sort of downhill go-kart ride.

Back to Sandi's for a few minutes before being taken into town by her husband Mark and dropped off at the museum.

Evening meal at the Fat Dog.

Late night soaking and relaxation at the Polynesian spa - a series of open air, geo-thermal pools that range in temperature from a pleasant 36 degress to a very hot 42 degrees.

A good night's sleep.

Sandi's breakfast.

Taken by Sandi's daughter to the geysers and mud pools on the south side of town for a very informative guided walk and a cultural show.

Lunch

A walk into town to the collection point for white water rafting on the Kaituna. By far the most exciting part of the trip so far. Pete and I joined the young backpackers and gappers and showed them that oldies can be adrenalin junkies too. This included a 21 foot waterfall, the highest commercially raftable fall in the world. And yes, we stayed in the raft throughout. High five team!

Dropped off at Sandi's for a very quick shower then out for another maori cultural show, a huge meal, or hangi, and a night nature walk that included glow worms and brought me within touching distance of a kiwi bird.

Back to Sandi's to collapse.

I am writing this from the NZ capital, Wellington where we have had a more relaxing day in preparation for our early morning ferry to the South Island. Needless to say I won't be eating any Kitkats and I'll be praying for the tablets to work this time.

Live long and chunder.