Woke a bit later today (7:20) and took a walk along the beach, it was a bit drizzly this morning and rain coats were required. It was quite warm though and it wasn't a problem.

We set off at 9:10 and headed for Tauranga the road in to and out of Whangamata is scenic but rather steep and meandering, it's a real challenge when driving a large (6 berth) van. Surveying these roads must have been a nightmare.

We had a had a coffee stop by the estuary at Tauranga and then headed out via Papamoa beach to Rotorua

Arrived in Rotorua and even managed to find the Top 10 park pretty easily. We set up camp bunged some washing in the machines and headed into town.

Rotorua is a largish town maybe about the size of Albany (WA) there is a lingering smell of sulphur in the air as this area is volcanic, we didn't see any actual volcanic activity but will do tomorrow. We walked the mile or so from the camp site into town and wondered around the shops.

I had seen an article in a local paper about a lady from Bournville in the UK near where I was born. Out of curiosity we dropped into the shop she has opened in the the town and had a chat, she seemed happy in Rotorua and was typically for some one who has recently emigrated from the UK a bit negative about her old home town. But we will make our own judgments about that when we get there, we wished her luck and moved on.

A lake is situated on the other side of the town where they offer jet boat rides, water skiing and flights around the North Island by sea plane. It was late though and most activities had finished for the day.

We walked back to the camp another dinner in, this time fish salad and spuds and very nice it was too.

Finished with a DVD and bed.