Our first experience of a volcanic by-product.

Mid-Winter Dip in the Hot Pools at Mount Maunganui

Yesterday we visited the Hot Pools at Mount Maunganui. The Mount is an extinct volcano and bubbling 200ft below the surface there is very hot water. The outside pools are supplied very hot, very salty water by a bore pipe. We caught the sun a little as it has been raining so much we didn't bother to lotion up!

Took a look at some cars in the afternoon. We have to take the hired Corolla back on Thursday and so today,Wednesday, is decision day. We have decided upon one small car and one larger station wagon/SUV. This will enable us to fetch people from the airport and do sporty things. Kiwi car salespeople are the same as UK ones, so as you can imagine, Loo was entertained all afternoon.

We also had the pleasure of PacNSave yesterday. It's exactly like Tesco without the range and with concrete floors. All the groceries are cut case and there are no frills. But it is cheap.

Must sign off now, IRD forms to complete (National Insurance) and coffee is calling!