Apr 27th: Hubble Bubble and Up The Cherries!

Day 24 (Day 20 in New Zealand)

We were quite sad to leave our studio flat in Rotorua, especially as the sun came out first thing in the morning. 

Last breakfast view in Rotorua

But hey ho, tempus fugit, carpe diem and pro bono (other pretentious Latin phrases are available) it was time to set off on the 150 mile trip to our final destination in New Zealand, its largest city, Auckland. 

It’s about a 4 hour trip with breaks so we had plenty of time to spare. As we drove back through Rotorua Julie mentioned some thermal areas she had seen on the way in 2 days ago. 

Neither of us were sure where they were exactly but, lo and behold, we stumbled upon them in a residential area beside the main road. Kuirai Lake (just looked it up - Google it if you don’t believe me!)

It was fascinating. Steam and hot bubbling water coming up through the ground, sometimes even in people’s gardens. We both took loads of videos and a few photos but only room for a few here.



The rest of the journey was unremarkable except for, first, joining something resembling a motorway with a speed limit of 110kph (68mph), and then traffic jams as we approached Auckland. 

Our hotel is quite near the harbour so we had a stroll, stopped for a beer/wine and then looked around the expensive (how much?!?!) shops area.

Not as good a view as the last place

We both fancied Italian for dinner so as we made our way to one we came across a very busy Belgian restaurant with a tempting menu. (Our principle is to always eat where it is busy).

They had a table and as we were taken to it a waiter who was clearing a nearby table, looked up, saw my cap and exclaimed “Up The Cherries! and I knew it would be good. Following a world famous football team has its benefits! 😂

And it WAS good. Venison pie and stoemp (Google it!) and a large glass of Leffe Brune. I didn’t really fancy Italian anyway!

Earlier in the evening I had exchanged messages with a former IBM colleague who has lived here for about 20 years. We are spending the day and evening with her and her husband tomorrow. 

A bientôt!

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