Claire and I snuck out for an early morning run by the lake before washing all of our clothes. This took a while so we were a little delayed in getting going, but we got to play with our motel dog called Oscar!

I did lots of internetage while Mary and Claire went for a walk along the lakeside before going down to the docks for our Barbary Trip. Yet again this was an excellent trip, with a few more people on board this time. The weather took a turn for the better (which would last, as it transpired) and we all got a little sunburnt relaxing and swimming. The winds were strong so the sailing was good, but we had to swim round the corner from the famous carvings. The water here was clearer and calmer, so a better, but less scenic, experience. Yet again we felt incredibly invigourated and quite euphoric on the long, rugged, beautiful drive to Whakapapa.

We weren't quite sure what to expect with our "chateaux", but the Chateau Tongariro was simply stunning. Shadowed by Mount Doom (Mount Tongariro) and Mount Ngauruhoe it was a mixture of art deco and a breath of sophisticated fresh air. We had to eat in the cheap bar since I had no shoes, or trousers, or collars, but the sausages and mash were still fab! We played a little beginners bridge (no bidding) and them played some snooker! A real touch of class!