Thermal Pools at Toka'anu

Went for a drive to the bottom of Lake Taupo. Had a dip in the thermal pools at Toka'anu. $10NZD for 25 mins in a 38deg private pool. They pump the water out of the nearby pools and filter and cool it down from the natural temperature of 70deg.

Then we had a walk around the pools outside where the steam was coming up and the mud was bubbling.

Stopped to take a photo of some trout fisherman as well.

Lunch by Lake Taupo

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Foxton Beach

Broke the drive from Wellington to Mt Ruapehu up with a stop at a nice little place on the coast called Foxton Beach.

Ski Selfies

First day of skiing this trip.  Beats working but it wasn't the best days skiing ever.

Since we were going to football games in Auckland and Wellington we opted to ski Mt Ruapehu on the North Island rather than fly south to Queenstown.   Think I would rethink that if I had the decision over.

Mt Ruapehu appears to be very exposed to wind.  Today was supposedly moderate.   If that's true I dont ever want to see strong or severe winds.

Since booking we've been noticing that some of the lifts or even the entire resort can be closed due to winds.

It is what it is I guess.  

Also wasn't impressed that you can order a beginners 3 day package but intermediate and advanced skiers are left to pay a daily rate with no discount for multi day packages.  Thats just silly.

Maybe I'm turning into a Euro ski snob.  But the all inclusive packages we can book out of the UK to all sorts of interesting European locations are seriously cheap. Airfares, accommodation,  transfers, lifts, lessons equipment for not a huge amount more than we pay for lifts & equipment in NZ.  Ski in ski out, cultural activities.   I dont think I'd get a gig promoting skiing in NZ (or Oz for that matter) lol.

The Kiwis are mega friendly tho.  They have this no worries easy going attitude that you just have to love. 

Wellington Cable Car

Paid the ridiculously exorbitant $7 return fare to catch the cable car up to the botanical gardens and Carter Observatory and Planetarium.  

Great views.  The observatory is excellent.  Ben missed out on a school trip to the planetarium so this worked out well.

Wellington Waterfront

Great day at the Te Papa Museum and Wellington waterfront.  Museum was as good as you will find anywhere especially for kids.

Delicious food too.  Had a Hungarian chimney cake at lunchtime.  Tea at a very funky international food court.

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Flying with the squad

The entire squad was on the same flight as me from Auckland to Wellington.

UFO?

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Photo bombs

Pre Game Drinks at O'Hagans

Warez all Hemmers?

We're safely down in Auckland, sweet as bro but warez all the Hemmers? 

We All Follow the West Ham Over Land & Sea

On our way to Auckland for a week of football and a week of skiing.

Flying with Emirates on an A380.  Cheap as bro, $200.