After a week of running in Auckland, New Zealand’s largest and most populated city, the World Harmony Run has stepped outside of the giant metropolis to carry the message of oneness, friendship and harmony further afield.

Today we ran through Hamilton, the largest town of the Waikato region, situated on the banks of the mighty Waikato River. Here we visited two schools.

The kids were fresh faced and enthusiastic as we told them about the history of the World Harmony Run. They ran around their field with us carrying the World Harmony Run torch, and we sang the Harmony Run song, complete with actions which were learnt on the spot.

At the second school we visited in Hamilton - a 3 kilometer run later - the kids gave us a rousing reception in their hall. We were met by a reporter from the Waikato Times, who will be publishing a photograph and an article tomorrow. After having a relaxing picnic lunch at the Sri Chinmoy Peace Mile on the banks of the Waikato river, we ran on for 105 kilometers to Rotorua.

En route we were graced with the unparalleled beauty of the Kaimai Mamaku ranges. Curious cows came to see us at the edge of their paddocks as we ran by. Lambs frisked and bounded as we ran past. They were so cute – we couldn’t resist stopping to say hello!

To our utmost joy there was a huge rainbow to greet us as we approached Rotorua. Oncoming twilight accentuated the torch’s flame as we ran through the stillness of the forest-covered hills. We reached our accommodation just in time to see a spectacular sunset that seemed to have its source in the fiery glow of the torch spilling out on to the nearby lake and into the sky.

Rotorua is well known for its geothermal activity, and we were thrilled to find that our accommodation featured therapeutic mineral pools. The team were all excited to use the hot pools at the Rotorua Lakeside Thermal Holiday Park.

The owners, who kindly offered us several rooms, were equally grateful to have us stay with them as they support the cause of world harmony.We ate a hearty meal, soaked our weary limbs, and fell into bed to dream of more roads and smiling faces yet to come.