Yesterday we had another go on the horseswith Taupo Horse Treks. This was the third trek on our holiday and the least inspiring. (Grumble alert!) The stables stank, the start off was slow. A 9:30 start got going at 10:10. The guide didn’t know a single plant name of the forest we walked through. They couldn’t do much about the whinging kids in the 1 hour party, but it put me right off continuing for our second hour. I had the bright idea of letting Princess Tahlia have the second hour to herself with the guide and she was able to canter off into the beyond! This trek was as expensive as the exquisite treks we had with Rubicon Valley Treks and Dart Stables at Glenorchy. While the landscape in the other locations was divine, here it was merely through a weedy pine plantation, over a road through some scraggy bushes with two vague glimpses of the steaming thermal site called Craters of the Moon and back again. No commentary, no photo stops, no picnic of hot chocolate and homemade shortbread and scones with homemade jam. Princess had a good ride reported that her guide had taught her some new skills. If you would love a good horse trek in NZ, I would not recommend this outfit. Save your energy and your money for great horse treks like Rubicon Valley or Dart Stables.

Lake Taupo seems to be a bit of a rip off.(Grumble continues) Mustn't complain about the weather right?, but we could have been anywhere, as the volcano's were hidden by cloud again. Last night we paid more for a bland backstreet Motel(where we could hear our neighbour piddle and the spa was decorated with dust and cobwebs) than we paid in Queenstown for lake views, concierge service, wireless internet…go figure. Actually we are ready for our own beds and looking forward to coming home on Sunday…(grumble over) (phew)

The next two days we are at Whitianga in the Coromandels. We have our own rooms in a sweet new hostel, and are taking it eeasssy. Princess Tahlia is sorting her varied treasures and reading Twilight AGAIN. Soon we will venture out to the Hot Water Beach where you dig a hole at low tide and sit in your own warm thermal pool. Neat!!!