We’re definitely getting quicker at packing up or rather not getting as much stuff out the cases and the packing cubes are working a treat.

We had our final breakfast at The Pullman (a very swanky hotel btw) checked out and said our goodbyes to George and his dad and made our way to the geothermal volcanic valley.

Our first stop, the Waimangu scenic reserve, where we walked around 2 miles including a small section which was a very steep hike, taking in all the views, hot springs, streams and craters – the inferno crater was the most amazing blue. Luckily you just walk one way and then can catch the bus back.

Second stop was Huka Falls, we did a 40 min walk around here. The falls are spectacular, the water so blue and the noise quite deafening.

Next stop Taupo – right on the shore of the largest lake in NZ – had a little walk around, our first non alcoholic stop of tea and cake and of course had a picture with the ‘Love Taupo’ sign. With the weather now being a bit drizzly we decided to head to our next hotel.

So a couple of hours later we arrived at Ohakune, filled up with fuel and did a quick re-stock at the local supermarket. When checking in at The Powderhorn Chateau, we wondered why the lady at reception kept questioning whether it was just the two of us or a bigger group as we were booked into ‘The Mansion’ basically a four bedroomed suite with kitchen, living room and wrap up balcony – amazing.

We drove back into town and chose Osteria an Italian restaurant. We both had a pasta dish to stock up on carbs for tomorrow. Then a miracle happened – I drove the 3km back to the hotel – first time driving an automatic! Now that the cloud had lifted we could see snow on the mountains behind our hotel.

Mileage from Rotorua to Ohakune 247km (154 miles)