Otahake

I didn’t have too long to miss mum and dad as it was time for another wee adventure. My friend Maaike was finishing up her travels in NZ and was down for a week before leaving. We headed off to do the Otahake Hot Pools trip. It’s a nice easy 5 hour walk and has some beautiful scenery (well, a lake and forest) along the way.

It was a bit rainy when we got there… but the hot pools were as wonderful as ever. On the way back the next morning we walked down the river gorge. In places the water was thigh deep – but not fast flowing so quite safe. It can be a nasty river if there’s a lot of rain – can rise very fast.

On the way back stopped in at Cave Stream and did the hour long through-trip there… really worth stopping at if you’re in the area.. and then a short walk around Castle Hill.

And today Maaike flew off to Chile where she starts her last three months of holiday. Poor thing ;) She’s definitely upset that her holiday is coming to an end.. but I do find it hard to feel sorry when she’s off touring around a continent I’ve never even set foot on!

Still, I think NZ cast a wee spell over her.. so who knows what’ll happen!

And now – I’m back to work.. quite enjoying it actually.. they’re a great bunch of people to work with.