Today Melissa and Colin are priviledged to have a special 'Guest' Blogger.... Hands together for Shawna, aka Decemberchick, who does an admirable job!!!
After getting ready all bright and early (oh wait, that was only Shawna who was ready on time!) we set off from Tauranga to head across the harbour into the cute Oceanside town of Mount Maunganui. After taking in some views of the actual "Mount", which is situated on the end of a peninsula that is the town of Mount Maunganui, we found ourselves a sweet parking spot at the end of the row.
After a fab brunch at a café called "Beaches", (where Shawna successfully confused another Barista with her order for a flat white with the shots of espresso on top... say what??), we took a walk in the sand which included some rock climbing (even more so for Colin who wanted to investigate a lighthouse out on a rock), and searching for some bling in the sand in the form of seashell rings. Shawna is such a trendsetter I tell you!
Now, you may have wondered why I would mention a parking spot. Minor details, you say. Well, after our Oceanside wander, Melissa and Shawna headed back to the car to be horrified to see a pretty big dent in the side of it. After a short while which included some panicking, and wondering whether the rental company should be called, Colin arrived. After a careful inspection, the verdict: "This isn't our car!" Oops, turns out another red hatchback found a sweet spot at the end of a row as well!
That weight off our shoulders, we headed straight for Rotorua, where we were welcomed by the lovely scent of sulpher. We checked into a lush hotel, complete with views of Lake Rotorua and the Polynesian Spa. A quick call, and we were booked into an evening of cultural entertainment, Maori style. This was put on by Tamaki tours, which included a challenge, a wander around the fortified village, an excellent concert and dances in the traditional Maori style, ending with a delicious hangi (earth oven) style feast complete with dessert. Yum! The definite highlight of the evening was when Colin stepped up to be the chief of our bus. A real man! Unfortunately, he was not chosen in the end as the head chief from the three buses, but was presented with a parting memento to always remember his courage!
Once the evening was over, back to the hotel. While Melissa and Shawna chilled out, Colin decided to head to the spa for a thermal soak. A relaxing end to the day!
(Thanks again Shawna!!!)
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