Taupo to Mt Maunganui via Rotorua.......briefly!

Walked round the Craters of the Moon thermal park before leaving. Really enjoyed the area. Stopped at the recommended mud pool just off the highway and into the city of Rotorua. The weather was nice but not our cup of tea, just a sprawling mess of shops and eateries. It's obviously grown to cope with it being possibly close to the number 1 destination.
Swiftly moved on and after an hour entered our next night in Mt Maunganui via the coast road. Properties looked expensive all along the beach that had white sand and nice surf. Our motel is in a small Spanish style complex right next to the beach, the harbour and Mt Maunganui itself. Quickly changing and out in the surf till we were knackered! There was a major life saving event on so people every where, but great atmosphere on the beach and in the village tonight. It's grockley but in a nice way!