Orakei Korako, Lava glass garden and red sails

Our host provided some Instant Coffee and cornflakes for breakfast then we set off for a long day exploring.

First stop was Orakei Korako (which I've no doubt spelled incorrectly - I can't even say some of the place names, never mind spell them). Since the destruction of what must have been the most beautiful sight, the Pink and White Terraces, some think this is the next best place to see the effects of the thermal activity. It was magical, as it was so quiet, and a little boat took us and a German couple over the lake to it. It was hard to decide on a blip - I have dozens of painterly photos. Just as we left the rain started, so we had our picnic in the car - the sight of a camper van parked beside us as made us think of the freedom of our van with nostalgia.

We drove back to Taupo to book a sailing boat on the lake for the evening to see some (recent) Maori carvings. The ISite recommended a Lava a Glass Garden to visit and it was wonderful. I watched the glass maker at work then while Mr C had a coffee (proper coffee!) and cake, I wandered in the garden. It was just gorgeous - my extra is a blip there.

Our Red Sail boat was a lovely experience, whipping along, lounging on sag bags, in the company of about 12 others. The sun had come out so it was all delightful, so relaxing.

We bought a takeaway pizza and ate it by the lake, washing it down with some Church Road wine.