Native NZ forest

After the thermal pool we took a hike through a native forest that required crossing a 'one person at a time' swing bridge across a raging river which the boys loved of course. We all loved the variety of algae and funghi growing on the trees: amazingly vivid colours and a wide assortment of textures. It was pretty squidgy underfoot so after about an hour we turned back and were glad to do so because it started to pour with rain just as we got back to our camper van. In fact the rain was so heavy that at this point we decided not to explore the west of the south island (and thereby avoid a huge amount of driving). This turned out to be a wise decision as the 'where shall we go' and 'who is driving' stress was beginning to tell on both Patrick and I - we are at least talking to each other now!