Bush spas

After a slap-up brekkie on New Year's Day, we continued on our intrepid journey along the coastal highway, stopping at these incredible natural spas for a bushwalk and a plunge in the mineral hot pools. The best was plunging into this icy pool before submerging ourselves into a boiling hot pool. Sounds painful but it was actually that good kind of pain that makes you feel really rejuvenated afterwards.

Best of all, unlike most of the overpriced tourist traps we frequented, this slice of paradise, iwi (Maori tribe) operated, was only $5, with enough natural attractions to last an entire day. Unfortunately, we didn't have an entire day to while away at this magic place and after a few blissful hours, we had to continue on our journey to the Hawkes Bay.

Tali goes bush.

...And then the hot!