On a lovely golden summer morning 22 happy Wanderers in two vans set off towards Rotorua.  We made a left hand turn on top of the Mamakus and went North around Lake Rotorua, stopping at Hamurana for a wee break.

Then onward past Hells Gate thermal area to Lake Rotoiti. First a morning tea break, then off we went with Dianne in the lead.  Growing on the forest floor were many different fungi, and the recent wind had brought down a branch containing a lot of native orchid flowers with a great scent.  We walked through to another lake and had lunch on an elevated bank.

Returning the same way we diverted to Hori’s Wishing Tree and made a donation -  either money or green foliage - into a cavity in the trunk and had a secret wish.

Back at the vans some of the brave ladies took a dip into the lovely Lake Rotoiti.  

On the way home we stopped at Tirau and had an ice cream.  We were back in Hamilton by 5pm - a very enjoyable day      

Keith