Rotorua, New Zealand

On day 3 we travel by minibus to Rotorua (3.5 hours). Shaped by the forces of the 'Pacific Ring of Fire' Rotorua is quite literally the North Island's hottest tourist spot; home to bubbling mud pools, exploding geysers and surreally coloured mineral terraces and springs. Time is available to visit one of the region's renowned geothermal parks or have a soak in a mineral thermal pool. For a change in pace have a go at zorbing; a quirky kiwi invention. It's simple: Climb into an inflated plastic sphere and roll down a hill!

Experience the warm hospitality of Maori culture when welcomed onto a 'marae' - The sacred meeting place of a Maori community. Enjoy traditional Maori performances including the haka (war dance) and action songs which tell stories of old. Feast on a 'hangi' meal cooked in an underground oven and learn about Maori culture with our local hosts.

There was some zorbing, which doesn't really count as an extreme sport because you don't actually do anything except for scream like a little girl trapped inside a water-filled sphere as you roll down a hill. There are no photos because I slapped all of the cameras away so you would not see my tears of terror. I wanna go again! The Maori ceremony and feast was delightful, as was the downtown Rotorua pub where a handful of us convened to drink cider. Did I mention the fine variety of ciders available in New Zealand? I had a great conversation with my new British friend Ian about whose government stunk more. I wanna go again!