This is Lake Rotorua. The island in the distance is apparently a 'kiwi reserve'. They have destroyed any predators on that island and now there is only the native kiwi bird there. Maybe we'll take a trip out there at some point and visit the kiwi.


















These black swans are beautiful but fierce! We were careful not to let the kids get too close, but of course Lizzy wanted to pet them, but they made a biting motion at her and she decided they were mean.
















This was my sad attempt to capture the scenery on the drive from Auckland down to Rotorua. It really was majestic, but this pic does it no justice. Guess you'll just have to come for a visit to see what I'm talking about.