This morning started off with a lovely breakfast and then we enjoyed the amenities of the hotel . Scott, Patrick and I played 9 holes of golf on the par three course on the grounds. It was only three holes, but we played it three times. Meanwhile, Chris was bike riding around the property, and Stephan and Tracy were enjoying the comforts of their rooms. When golf was over we adjourned to the grass tennis court and had a rousing game that included our guide William. It was my first time playing on a grass court so it was an interesting match. The bounces were much less predictable and the footing was challenging due to the dampness from the morning dew. Chris, Tracy and Stephan had massages which they thoroughly enjoyed. I relate these activities to give a sense of how nice the hotel was. It was located on about 20 acres surrounded by orchards and high hedge fences. We all had a great time.
We left and drove to our next location at Lake Taupo. This lake is the largest lake in New Zealand and is a favorite holiday spot for many of the Kiwis. Our guide, William, dropped us off at the hot springs just out of town where we soaked for an hour before checking in to our hotel.
Once again the drive we had through the country side only reinforced the beauty of this island country. This area is green and full of vegetation as it gets considerably more rain than some of the other areas we visited in the south island. There are quite a few wineries in this region which was evident by the many vineyards we passed on our travels, but there was no time to stop.
Tomorrow Auckland.
Chris – Thanks to Patrick for writing in my stead yesterday. Today was a warm day full of exercise, relaxation and fun. We had the morning to enjoy the old homestead hotel where we were staying and Paul described the many activities we indulged in. The hotel called the Mangapapa Petit Hotel had beautifully maintained grounds and was surrounded by vineyards. It was nice for all of us to have some unscheduled time and just enjoy each other. Our rooms at this hotel were, once again, amazing. Large living rooms, 4 poster beds, one bed that lit up and had about 20 controls and a bathroom that was not only enormous but had two whole showers in one. Stephan and Patrick’s room even had what appeared to be a small dance floor…well at least the appropriate person got that room! The trip to Lake Taupo was about two hours long and was along a somewhat winding road and quite hilly. The vistas were of very green rolling large hills or small mountains with sheep and now and then a canyon. It was much hillier than most the landscape we saw in the South Island. When we started this trip our guide asked us what we’d like to do in NZ that wasn’t on the schedule. I mentioned that I’d always wanted to swim in a hot springs and had never done it. Well, today we did that. It was fun and quite hot and everyone supported my suggestion and participated…..you gotta love family! Tonight we’re staying right on the lake and I enjoyed swimming in their pool that was about 18 feet long and was about 100 degrees. It was outdoors so it was great that it was hot, but after 40 minutes I was pretty well cooked. Paul, Scott and Tracy took a walk along the lake and Stephan and Patrick worked out in the gym. A toast was given to all the participants in the golf and tennis matches and a delicious dinner was had by all at the lakeside restaurant in the hotel . Paul, Stephan, Patrick and I played a game of euchre after dinner, a game I learned yesterday on the three hour boat crossing. Careful, Mike and David, I might give you a run for your money! Scott watched rugby on TV and Tracy had a phone date with Jeremy and read afterwards. It was another great day!!
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