Monday morning, clear blue skies fluffy clouds and a breeze, what more could you ask for on an Autumn morning in NewZealand…

We travelled to a small village and harbour called Kinloch at the north of the Lake. There was a beach and lots of trees and grass. It was so peaceful and relaxing there, we sat in the shade and watched the clouds and water lapping on the lakes’ edge. There were a few black swans and a heron at the entrance to the marina. Perfect….. I can just imagine Louis Otis Xavi and Alice climbing on that red climbing frame.

We came back to Taupo to check on the boat times to see the Maori rock carvings. Before we had time to consider we were told a boat was about to leave and they would wait for us. Grandad hurried to pick up the cameras from our car and I got on the boat! What a surprise for us. We had a wonderful time on there. The ship we sailed on was originally a steamship The Ernest Kemp.

Then we had an hour an a half round trip covering Taupo end of Lake Taupo up to the Maori carvings just beyond Acacia Bay and Jerusalem Bay. It was so enjoyable we wished we could have stayed aboard for another couple of hours.

It was 2pm when we got back and we went to a restaurant for pizzas and tea/ milk shake.

I managed to get my hair cut too so our last full day in Taupo was very productive. It is still hot, just cool first thing and when the sun goes down in the evening.

Desperate to see you all very soon, send me some pics of the children please. Good luck writing up your dissertation Anona, thinking of you all ….. xxxxxxxxx