Taupo - Wellington

Head to Taupo on the 5 South, stop at Aratiatia Rapids at 12pm in time fro the floodgates opening. Water crashes through the dam as we watch from the bridge. Next stop was the Huka Prawn Farm (purely by chance) where you can catch your own prawns. It's the world's only geothermally heated freshwater prawn farm. Had a game of Killer Prawn Golf, was rubbish at it! Found the Huka Falls further up the road, great views from the bridge.

Further south we went through Palmerston North, and had a few stops on the way for essentials - Subway cookies! The front tyre tread came off while we were driving on the motorway towards Wellington. Helen kept control of the car and brought it to a stop at the side of the road. Everyone was fine but we had to get recovery to come rescue us from the side of the road. Lovely man put on the spare and we made it to Wellington to Nomad's backpackers. Beautiful hostel, more like a trendy hotel. Our room was fab and we had our own bathroom (you appreciate stuff like this when you're on the road!!). Got a new tyre from Tony's Tyres who gave us it for free, what a nice man!

Went on cable car with great views over the harbour and city. Had a beer in the cafe at the top enjoying the scenery then explored Botanic Gardens and found sundial. Couldn't tell if it worked as it was a little clody, sure it does! Went out to Molly Malones Irish bar at night for some Irish music and Guiness.