Day 5 - Miranda to Mt Maunganui

Day 5. Onward and upward...or downward if we are speaking geographically.

First stop was the butterfly & orchid house at Thames. I had visions of the perfect picture. A butterfly landing slowly and gracefully on a gleeful child's nose. Nup. Didn't happen. These things flew flat out in all directions. There was an awesome black and vivid blue butterfly that I chased around and around but never got a photo of. Lots of fun trying though:)



And for my mottephobic friend - yes, this is a real condition surprisingly..
Carolina, this ones for you !!...if only customs would have let me bring it back.....



Through a mountain range. Slowly. Maui's handle excellently on corners. We arrived at Hot Water Beach. This is such an amazing place. At low tide, hot water comes up from some underground springs and you can dig a hole to fill up with warm water. Standing in the wrong spot can burn your toes! God's creation is just so full of surprises.