Geysers and kiwis

We had planned to stay a second night in Rotorua, but unfortunately our campsite was crawling with ants, and after a night of pain, ichiness, and very little sleep, I just couldn't face any more bites. On to our next destination - Te Puia, which is a cultural centre just outside Rotorua. We paid $50 each to get in, which seemed steep, but it was well worth it. As well as a very impressive hot-water geyser, we saw more mud pools and hot water pools, real live Kiwis in the Kiwi house (kept in semi-darkness because the birds are nocturnal), and a Maori show. I was afraid that the latter would be touristy and cheesy, but it was very entertaining to hear about ten of them sing songs, throw sticks around, and do the haka at us. I was surprised by how like what I associated with Hawaii the music and costumes were, but I suppose it makes sense if these different cultures originated in the same area. Anyway, it was money well spent, and we took loads of photos before heading on up the road to Tauranga.

In Tauranga, we stayed in the Harborside Backpackers, which is our most expensive night's kip at $70 for a double room with en-suite, but was also well worth it. The hostel has a great location, right beside the harbour in Tauranga, which is a small seaside town, and the facilities were fantastic too. Our bedroom was in a quiet corridor on the first floor, but upstairs from us was a massive kitchen/lounge area, with a balcony looking out over the water. It was great sitting at the long tables outside, looking out over the water and chatting with the other hostel residents. Skry and I also made a trip to the cinema ("No country For Old Men" - okay until the end, where it seemed to just stop dead) before heading back to the hostel for more chat and then bed.