Back in Tauranga - Rhian's last week

After their VERY busy trip to the South Island both Rhian and Callum wanted a bit of peace and quiet to catch up on sleep, and stay in one place for a wee while. We (Malcolm and Shona) had a quiet time while they were away, although we did go sailing and to see a film that was made in nearby Te Puke called the Z Nail Gang!

On Friday 22nd Aug, Rhian, Callum and I went to see NZ history in the making, a historic apology from the crown for the stealing of the Maori land 150 years ago. It was very interesting (including returning a historic british flag??) but VERY long and all in Maori! So 5 hours of speeches, Haka's and dances later we shared a meal with 3500 people (catered by the NZ army), history after all does take time!

The highlight of last week was undoubtedly visiting White Island, NZ's most active volcano. The 1.5 hour boat journey ended in us leaping onto boulders from a small rubber dingy to get ashore - rather nerve wracking!. Then walking in the crater looking into Sulphuric acid lakes and sulphur fumerols was like being on the moon - and we did need to use the gas masks for the fumes.