Thanks to my fascination with all things geothermal, volcanic and Rotorua in general, we didn’t get to Whangamata last night as planned, but stayed in Waihi Beach instead. Good to be back on the coast, although I was sad to leave Rotorua. Definitely top of my list for my next visit!!

Waihi was very pleasant – good to see the sea again – and we called in at the Martha Mine on the way out of town. It did have to be seen, but I didn’t enjoy the experience at all. A former underground mine, an American company has turned it into an open mine, still for gold. And it’s big. VERY big! It took several Phoenix Palms and Whangamata to restore the balance of my mind – Nicky, you would absolutely HATE this one! It completely freaked me out, and I’m OK with heights and depths.