NZ day 20 and 21-Wellington to Rotorua, then Rest

We completed the 3rd of 4 big drives on this trip. Dave still doesn't let me drive, so I read and watched the (awesome) scenery go by.

It was pouring rain when we arrived and has been pretty much ever since.

The last few days have been really busy so we planned a down day. Well, I did.

Dave and the kids managed to convince me to go for a walk, in the rain.

Rotorua is a really cool place that is full of geothermal activity (and smells like sulfur). The local park has all sorts of neat fenced off areas that are full of bubbling mud and hot water.

They even have areas called foot baths where anyone can just rock up and soak their feet in nice warm water which appears to piped in right from one of the pools.

In the afternoon Dave and Big C went for another walk to scout out the town. They found the museum  and hot water pools not far from our accommodations, complete with a rose garden and park attached. There is also a cool art gallery around the corner that,  while closed today, features a tree adorned with knitting in a rainbow of colours.

On their return from the lakefront  they came across a travelling circus/fair. BigC was duly impressed with the Christmas tree made from bicycles and tricycles.

In our spare time we've been finding ways to finish up the cake

And use the last of the caramel sauce.