Day 9 - Wed 9th Feb

Left Auckland at 09.00 in the driver's seat, bound for Rotorua (225km) and arrived at 1pm. After lunch walked through the Government gardens and visited the museum of art & history housed in the old spa building where officers from WW1 were treated in the mineral hot springs. Saw the geysers in the surrounding grounds - overpowering sulphur smell - and enjoyed the manicured bowling greens and flowers. Drove on to Napier (235km) - Hawkes Bay area not unlike a typical English seaside resort (think Bexhill rather than Southend). Driving through the rolling countryside with herds of cows and sheep reminded me of England although the roads are better here and far less crowded! Found fun bistro on the waterfront next door to a youth hostel for steak dinner. Slept like a log!