Yesterday we found the GREATEST thing of all time - the tourist office in Taupo ofers a list of FREE activities to do! We went to the Tinkers & Traders Fair (Tinkers are gypsies), watched people bungy jump (only a 40m jump, very not scary, suprisingly), found a Barn cafe with a wack of birds (Chickens, ducks, peacocks, silky chickens - definitely Asian, not necessarily Chinese- roosters, African turkey things and more crazy birds), bunnies, kittens, sheep & alpacas (cousin of the llama) running around which we could feed. We also hit the Aratiatia dam/rapids and somewhere else I can't remember...

We met up with the rest of the Auckland crew who had come down for the weekend after dinner for a swim in a hot pool (water temp was at 40 degrees +) and a relaxing drink. This morning we met Barbury Bill and went for a thoroughly enjoying 2 hour sail on Lake Taupo (which is 40m above sea level!) and learned loads about sailing! Now I want a sailboat too. So is life.

A quick taste session at the Wishart winery (their dessert wines were incredible!) and that was it, we were on the road to Napier. Much to my mother's pleasure, I didn't skydive in Taupo. No I didn't chicken out, I just didn't have anyone to go with or the funds right now (thrill seeking is pocket draining). Don't worry mom, I'll go yet.

I have fallen in love with Napier. It's an art deco city rivaling Miami for greatest concentration of art deco buildings in the world. This results from a 1931 earthquake which destroyed all the victorian buildings in the city. 2 years of rapid construction and voila - art deco city that is just charming! Only had a wander today, hope to do a walking tour tomorrow.

Will fill in more details in the future...

HAPPY EASTER! Hope the bunny finds you... I've been warned that he does not relocate for lost children. If he could just find my bank account I'd be happy...