Back in New Zealand

Arrived back in New Zealand on 10th Dec and after a few days catching up with Jeanne & Howard, Amy, Sarah, Becky and the Helens I caught the 8am bus from Auckland to Wellington ... 10 hours and 50 minutes later and with the numbest bum on the planet I arrived in Wellington and after negotiating the red carpet from the Lovely Bopnes premier I arrived at the Cambridge Hotel where I spent the next 3 nights.

After a not so good nights sleep I headed into Wellington to investigate. First stop was an internet cafe to sort out stuff and then a fairly lengthy phone call to Lulu to also sort stuff out and catch up. Eventually headed off forTe Papa Museum which is huge and i had to go back the following day to finish it off.

Highlights from the museum were seeing the Colossal Squid not something I would like to bump into when diving but to be honest its not very likely as they live VERY deep and anyway I'm not sure human tastes very nice to them. Learning all about earthquakes and New zealand's history of quakes was interesting and was particularly pleased to read up on what I'm meant to do in the event of a tsunami ... better late than never I guess ;-)

Another highlight was seeing the Witangi Treaty display and the Maori Marae which I did the following afternoon.

That evening I did a Helen first and went to the cinema on my own and saw Amelia ...the film was ok but was a big step for me as I have always hated the idea of going to the cinema on my own. The following evening I was back at the cinema to watch New Moon ... I was on a roll.

So my last day in Wellington I walked through town to the cable car which I caught up to the Botanical Gardens and wandered round for a few hours, had lunch next to the Lady Norton Rose Garden which was beautiful I had forgotten what roses are meant to smell like and it took me straight back to my Gran's garden in Lancashire and making rose water as a kid.

Wandered some more after lunch in the gardens and then into town before hitting the cinema again (New Moon).

Thursday was up early to catch the ferry form Wellington to Picton ... the South Island finally. After 3 fairly pleasant hours on the ferry the last hour of which we were winding our way through Malborough Sounds we arrived in Picton. From here I picked up a float plane and met Gavin, Pam, Rachel and Peter who were also catching the float plane to Hopewell Lodge in the Sounds. Flight only took about 20 mins and that was because he went the scenic route (I think every route would have been pretty scenic if you ask me), not sure I'm too much of a fan of landing on water I have to say.

Wow is the only word I can use to describe Hopewell Lodge and its surroundings, it is like a little slice of heaven. Not only is the accommodation some of the best I have stayed in anywhere but being able to go and collect your own mussels, cockles and oysters straight off the beach to eat was amazing, sitting havng dinner looking out over the sounds, having some of the best food I have had in a long time cooked for you and being made to feel like you are at home I cannot recommend this place enough. We had aBBQ dinner the first night and then headed up to the main house when it got cooler where the wood burners was lit for us and we played scrabble listening to music and sipping wine ... so civilised.

After a slightly restless night on the top bunk (can't remember the last time I slept in bunk beds let alone the top bunk) where I kept thinking I was going to fall out. I headed out for a walk and to just enjoy the surrounding I was in, after an hour I turned round and walked back and pretty much I hadn't seen anyone on my journey other than a few cars oh and an old lady in a truck taking her dog for a walk ... yep she stayed in the truck and the dog ran in front ... genius, Lulu take note ;-)

Had lunch looking out att he most spectacular view and as I did the 'post' man arrived ... not like any postman I've ever come across not only does he dlever post but milk, cases of wine, groceries, he will delivery and pickup broken appliances for fixing and he also does the school run ... and our (British) posties are striking over what exactly?!?!?!?

The afternoon I sat back in the sun and chatted with various people, read my book and as Gavin rather eloquently put it 'this is better than being dead in a tsunami' (or something along those lines anyway) ... I did laugh, you can always trust a yorkshire man to say it as it is ... but without taking anything away from those that lost their lives, loved ones, homes and livelihoods it is true and I'm not sure how often we recognise when life is good and really take time out to 'smell the roses' so to speak.

Another fab dinner of homemade gourmet pizza which was so big it did me for lunch and dinner the following day. More wine and this time a game of Monopoly but a card game rather than using a board, again much hilarity as none of us really had a clue about the rules but were a bit beyond caring by the end.

The following day caught the float plane pack to Pciton with Gavin, Pam, Rachel and Peter again and after farewells I caught my bus to Christchurch and 5.5 hrs later with a 30 min stop in Kaikoura (don't panic I am seeing Kaikoura on my trip) I arrived in Christchurch and to the most revolting hostel I have stayed in to date which was a bit of a shock after the lovely Hopewell Lodge ... put it this way I would rather use the public toilets than the ones at the hostel .. YUK!! Luckily as soon as I got there I got chatting to a couple of Aussie girls and we headed to the pub where we got a little drunk.

The following day (Sunday 20th Dec) I showered and got out of the hostel form hell ASAP and spent the day having a good look round Crhistchurch. I got the tram round the centre which was fun and half way round The Sunshine Band got on board and sang/played You are my Sunshine which was great. I then decided to go on the Gondola which is actually a cable car but by the time I got there a storm had rolled in so my journey to the top was a little hair raising so I treated myself to a scone and a cup of tea at the top ... purely medicinal to steady my nerves you understand ;-)

Weather didn't really improve much up there so I braced myself and headed back down and by the time I got back into town I was freezing as I was in flip flops and shorts and it was raining so I headed for the cinema ... its my new home ;-) and this time watched Mary and Max which is an Aussie production and I was hoping it would be uplifting as its an animation about friendship ... hmmm its rather sad at the end is all I will say. The heavens had well and truly opened by the time I came out so I took a trip to the dark side and went to McDonalds before going back to the hostel from hell.

I moved rooms this day and whilst some things improved, I got a TV in my room and a double bed, somethings got worse ... squeaky bed in my room and the one next door (i'll let you imagine what I could hear), dirt and dust everywhere and still on the very busy main road.

Monday (21 Dec) and once again was up and at em early and into town and round the museum in the morning which was great. Learnt all about the Moa which was a big bird a cross between an ostrich and an emu that used to live in New Zealand but is now extinct, leanrt about how the British colonised Christchurch which is very like Cambridge but less bikes and also Scott left for the antartic from here so there is a big exhibit of everything from his last trip including exerts from his diary which was interesting and really sad, especially the last entry.

After lunch I walked around some more (I know Christchurch like the back of my hand now) and then I'm afraid once again I headed to the cinema, but you really can't understand how bad the hsotel was ... Julie and Julia this time which was great but made me want to cook in my own kitchen at home :-(

Tuesday (22 Dec) Again out quick and headed for the internet cafe in town where I wiled away a few hours before I met up with Charlie and Smed who I met in Raro. So good to see them!!! We walked and talked for a couple of hours before we gave up and headed to the pub - The Bog - and then som how ended up being true Brits and doing a bit of a pub crawl before going for a curry and eventually ending up in an Irish bar playing pool (badly) and sticking old cheesy songs on the juke box ... great night.

Release day arrived and I was up and out of the hostel before 10am and checking into my next hostel faster than you can say 'get me out of here' - Now staying at a place called The Old Country House which is a 20 min walk out of the cnetre but oh my god it is paradise in comparison. Couldn't check in straight away as was too early so headed into town and oh I don't knwo it had been a whole 24 hours so I thought why the hell not and I went to the cinema again ... Avatar this time which was amazing. So don't worry I've run out of things to see now ... well until boxing day when the new schedule is out ;-)

After that back to the hostel checked in properly and had a fairly quiet evening chatted to a few people, read my book and an early night.

So Christmas Eve ... doesn't feel a bit like it, we're having free drinks and nibbles at the hostel tonight which should be good and then tomorrow there is a free BBQ and drinks, think I've lucked out on the hostel choice for Christmas. I'm here until 28th when I am catching the Stray bus which will do a tour of the whole of the South Island. Before that I am doing the Trans-Alpine train journey from Christchurch to Greymouth and back on 27th and I think boxing day will just be a day of rest in between.

I will add photos to this eventually but the computers here don't have the program that compresses them to make the upload quicker so it will take too long but if you are desperate for hptos go to my Snapfish account and there are another 400 odd there for you too look at ;-)

So on that note I will love you and leave you. Hope you all have a very merry christmas and that 2010 proves to be a really happy new year for you all.

Lots of love
Hx

Rarotonga Round Up

Well apologies for not really updating the blog whilst I was in Raro but island time tends to be a bit infectious and I never really knew where the days went at times.

Also after my last update I got a cold so was poorly for a few days but nothing major but it did mean I couldn't dive and the fab friends I had made in the first week (Sarah, Charlie and Smed) all left that evening so was feeling very sorry for myself. Steve and Georgie, a New Zealand couple I met diving who were also staying at the backpackers kept me company though for that following week and I did manage one last dive with them before they left.

The rest of my time in Raro was mostly spent diving, sunbathing, watching some of the most amazing sunsets I have ever seen, reading (7 books - Lulu & Louise I hope you're proud of me), chatting to people and drinking so for this blog I'll just put in the highlights from the 4 weeks rather than tell you what I did everyday.

Bumped into Jo and Matt, who I met in Napier, in Avarua (captial of Raro) who were just on their way out to Aitutaki so it was fleeting but nice to see them.

On the Tuesday (17th Nov) I experienced my first darts night at the Tumunu (bar and restaurant) I was told that skill was second to turning up which was a good job as I was awful but it was a fun evening and great to meet the expat locals and this turned into a regular Tuesday event. Eduard also made sure I got home ok by giving me a lift back on his moped every week.

Had my first moments of missing home in the second week probably because of the cold and not many people about so too much time on my own but not to worry was bound to happen at some point and great that it took that long I guess.

Went to the Punanga Nui Cultural Market on Sat (22nd Nov) which I had thought would be a couple of stalls and that would be it but oh no this was huge with loads of fresh fruit and veg, brightly coloured sarongs, delicious smells of local food, island dancing, drums, beautiful paintings ... great place.

On Mon (23rd Nov) the Vaka Eiva started in Rarotonga which is a series of paddle races in Oe Vakas which are a type of canoe. My god are these people physically fit and strong I was exhausted just watching them and then on Friday they have a relay race around the island which we saw go past the backpackers in the afternoon.

Had 2 of the best dives I did in Raro on 24th Nov and saw 3 spotted eagle rays which were just awesome and actually have quite cute faces. Darts again this evening .... still playing bad but am now there for everyones amusement.

On 26th Nov (Thurs) I went with Devyn and Jason (guys from Dive Rarotonga) to Trader Jacks for Thanksgiving dinner which was yummy but my stomach didn't quite know what had hit it ... soooooo much food, it was great had to take my pumpkin pie home and have it the following day.

Fri (27th Nov) morning I had booked myself on the Raro Safari which took us to the Papua falls (well more like a trickle of water), all through the back roads (and quite a lot of the time off the road as our driver seemed to prefer off roading), to where the 7 Vaka left Rarotonga in search of other lands, an ancient chiefly court called Arai te Tonga, up to The Needle (rock in the centre of the island), up hospital hill with views of the west coast and then finally down to the beach for a BBQ, with lovely marinated fish (I got the recipe so will be on the menu for my first dinner party when I'm back).

Sat (28th Nov) I started my Rescue Diver course. Ed (Dive Raro) had dropped the book round the day before so had spent the afternoon and evening reading that and filling in the knowledge modules. Sat morning was spent watching another wonderful PADI video, reading and filling out the knowledge modules. In the afternoon was pool work practising skills with KArne (instructor), Eduard (DMT) and Michael (hungover frenchman). Sun morning I did my exam in record time by all accounts (48/50) I think Ed's words were "Well you're more intelligent than we thought you were" at least it wasn't the other way round :-) The rest of the morning was in the pool (no Michael the hangover was too bad so Devyn replaced him) before heading out into a not terribly flat sea to do my 4 scenarios and after severly bruising my knees, inner thighs (don't ask) and nearly drowning Eduard (yes I know that wasn't the point of the course) I passed.... bloody hard work and really makes you realise how you really don't ever want anything to go wrong, glad I've done it.

Monday it rained for the first time since I arrived so was a dull day just sat in a hammock reading as diving was cancelled. Tuesday was darts as usual and met Megan and Darcy a canadian couple staying at the Raro backpacker who were doing their open water diving with Jason, lovely couple.

Wed (2nd Dec) was diving in the morning and then there was a BBQ at the backpackers which was a great evening. Paul (owner of bakcpackers) cooked up a sotrm on the BBQ of fresh fish and sausages and all was going reall well until Vic (mad man from Finland) brought out a drink called Mintu ... tastes like a cross between mouth wash and medicine ... the results were hilarious ... Vic and Paul slept on the beach that night.

Thurs (3rd Dec) I went to Aitutaki for the day. After a 40 min flight from Raro we arrived just before 9am. The central part of Aitutaki's main island is very much like Raro as you would expect just much smaller, its the lagoon that is the spectacular part and I believe features as one of the hundred things to see before you die so hurrah 1 down, 99 to go ;-) After a quick tour of the island we caught our boat for the cruise of the lagoon stopping firstly to snorkel in one of the best spots with giant clams and a million other fish. We then got back on board and had lunch whilst we cruised out to a small sandy atoll which we got off at. The sand was so white and the see so turquoise it didn't feel real and was so bright, we then walked through the water which at its highest was mid thigh to One Foot Island where I got a stamp in my passport, walked round the island which took about 25 mins but only because I kept stopping to take pictures, snorkelled for a bit, chilled out on the boat and chatted to some of the people on the boat before we started to head back. On the way back we had hermit crab races which I won both (finally something I'm good at) and then because I won they gave me the pleasure of modelling the various ways of wearing a sarong ... I couldn't stop laughing. Finally back home by 5.45pm just in time for a glass of wine and watch the sunset. Then Vic, Megan, Darcy and I went to the Waterline for dinner which was great.

Friday (4th Dec) diving again today. While I was making my tea I bumped into Luke Cederman whose parents were in Samoa with me (Diane and Brent). Luke is a professional surfer and was over with some friends taking some promo shots. I then headed out to a special diving darts night in the evening and finally I was playing with people of my own caliber ... yes we were all rubbish ;-) Tom and Kate (had been diving with both of these guys) won finally just before 11pm when Tom, Megan, Darcy and I caught a cab into town to Whatever Bar where we met Bevan and Vicky (also staying at the backpackers) and then on to Rehab before catching the 2am bus back.

Sat (5th Dec) - ROUGH! Thilo (German banker staying at the backpackers, I did tell him what we call London bankers he thought it was funny) gave me a lift to the market on his moped - got a lot of lifts of various people whilst I was there as the buses are so infrequent. Bought some things for the Farewell BBQ we were putting on for those leaving that night as well as some souvenirs. BBQ was good fun and at 10pm Thilo, Megan and Darcy left at which point I had planned to have an early night .... it was 1am when I got into bed, Vic and Paul are a bad influence.

And then before I knew it I was doing my last 2 dives which were great fun, viz wasn't great and we didn't see anything big but lots of baby things and just mucked about under water somewhere between 16 and 26m deep. Afterwards I took a trip in to tow and then met the dive guys for farewell cocktails at Manuia.

My last day the weather wasn't brilliant which was a shame but still got a great sunset before my final darts match in Raro for which I was given a medal for being the most consistently bad visiting player ... it was a proud moment ;-) Said my good byes and headed back for an hours kip before heading for the airport.

I had a brilliant month in Raro, its quite an expensive place, but its beautiful, pretty safe and the people are so friendly. I've done nearly 20 dives, got my Rescue Diver cert, met some brilliant people, seen some fab things, got a great tan and have exercised any demons I might have had from Samoa.

So on to the next stage of the trip, I'm back in New Zealand now and will be making a plan anytime soon, as soon as I can get off Island Time.

Love to you all

Hx

Rarotonga, Cook Islands

Kia Orana one and all from a very hot and sunny Rarotonga.

What can I say so far I am having a brilliant time. Arrived early hours of Tuesday morning which was a bit like ground hog day as I had already been through Tuesday in New Zealand. Met Sarah on the bus to the hostel and once we got there I found I had been upgraded to an ensuite room until my beach hut was ready on Thursday, RESULT!!!

After a few hours kip I was up and met Laura and Sarah (again) chatting and Laura said there was BBQ on that night NZ$10 each so we chipped in and later on went with Laura to get the food. Buses are interesting here, it is only 32km roudn the island so they have 2 buses one goes clockwise and the other goes anti-clockwise and you get one of each every hour apart from between 4pm and 6pm. We chilled round the pool for a bit when we got back before showering and starting prep for the BBQ where I met Ollie, Alex, Claire, Matt, Charlie and Smed.

Dinner of sausages, burgers, bread and salad was greatly received and washed down by quite a few cold beers (Tui) before we started on the silly games - Irish snap first followed by a drinking game called Smoke and Fire (I have the rules written down so I shall be teaching all who are game for it when I get back ;-)) The result from the whole evening for me was that every single person round the table thought I was 28 or under ... ha you should've seen their faces ;-)

Surprising didn't have a sore head the following day but spent the day chilling before walking along the beach to the Rarotonagan Hotel to use the ATM ... blimey what a walk 45 mins each way on not very pleasant sand, who needs a pedicure!! Quite evening and an early night.

Thursday Sarah and I had signed up to go diving. Jason picked us up at 7.45am and we were in the water by 9.10am at Sand River where we ahd only been in the water a few minutes before we saw an octopus and almost immediately after a white tipped reef shark. After an horus surface interval involving a very welcome hot chocolate and biscuits (the water is not warm here and I had a 5mm shortie on) we were back in the sea this time diving on a wreck who's name escapes me right now but here we met Red the hawksbill turtle and towards the end of the dive we saw a massive maori wrasse plus all the usual stuff. After Devon dropped us back at the backpackers Sarah and I went to the supermarket before catching some rays. Just before sunset (they are spectacular here) we wandered down to the Mauni Hotel where they had a n offer on cocktails and sat by their infinity pool sipping on our various sexually explicitly named cocktails and then heading back for dinner and a few more beers. Ollie, Alex, Matt and Claire left this evening.

Friday Sarah and I caught the bus round the island and stopped off at Muri beach where there is a lagoon which is nice but I have to say I have seen nicer ... lsiten to me I've been so spoilt! 45 mins round the island and we headed back to flop on the beach and chill before we got ready for our big night out. About 8.30pm we caught the bus into town and went to the 'Whatever' bar where all the drinks were cheaper at the bar downstairs and when cnofronted with this they agreed and couldn't explain why so I'm sure you can guess where we got our beers all night. After this we headed to THE club 'Rehab' where we shook our thing for a few hours before catching the last bus back at 2pm the long way round the island.

Saturday was a little subdued and we spent the day on the beach for the most part and then in the evening Laura, Sarah, Charlie, Smed and I went to the island night at the Edgewater Resort and made light work of the all you can eat buffet and then sat rubbing our sore bellies whiilst we watched the island dancers.

Today have been out for 2 more dives this morning and then tried to lie on the beach but its just too darn hot!!!

Have taken some great photos and some amazing ones of the sunsets but you will have to be patient on the photo front I'm afraid as can't upload them here.

Hope all is good wherever you are, sending you all lots of love
Hx

When I last left you I was heading off to Hahei (har-hey) for the weekend which is in the Coromandel (central east coast of the north island). I packed up my newly aquired belongings and said my good byes to Howard, Jeanne and Julia and set off on the bus to Auckland to met Amy. After a bit of light shopping we headed back for a takeaway with Sarah and then headed off at about 7.30pm to miss the traffic and arrived in Hahei at about 10.30pm where Sarah's Mum, Janice, her sister, Michelle and Michelle's boyfriend, Ewan had already arrived and an hour later we were all tucked up in our beds, some of us snoring LOUDLY ;-)

Saturday brought lots of lovely sunshine so after a walk to the Luna Cafe, a quick drink and a walk along the beach we settled in for the day on the deck and beers where cracked open about 1pm and it was pretty much slowly downhill from there. We headed over to some friends of Sarah's family for "fivesees" which is like sundowners in the UK just 3 hours before sun goes down and it was at this point that Graham one of the owner of this bach and Sarah tired to convince me that in New Zealand they milk frogs, you will be pleased to know that at no point did I believe them but we did have a good laugh. Sometime after the sun went down we staggered back and somehow managed to pull dinner together without burning the bach down (I don't remember eating dinner) and after dinner entertainment was an ABBA tribute night courtesy of us girls and some kitchen utensils for mics.

I'd like to say that Sunday was cancelled due to lack of interest but no such luck, after a good brekkie of bacon and eggs we headed out to Cathedral Cove where I had been the following weekend but the weather was better. After lunch we headed over to Whitianga to the Lost Springs for a soak in the thermal pools and sip a cocktail, great way to get over a hangover. Ice cream on the way back it was time for a quick shower and to pop a few more bottles of bubbles, fivesees was at 'our' bach this time although a lot more subdued. BBQ dinner went down a storm and an early night for us all.

Monday was Labour Day holiday here and like a good old British Bank Holiday it only stayed fine a few hours before it started raining, but in the morning Amy and I went for a walk on the beach and then we all headed over to the Hot Water Beach Cafe for lunch and a wander round Moko Gallery. The rest of the day was reading, lounging, clearing up and packing up. We headed back stopping for dinner in Tairua where I had the worst fish and chips I've ever had in my life. Evenutally arrived back and Amy and Sarah's at just before 11pm and straight to bed.

Tuesday morning I headed into Auckland with Sarah on her way to work and my stuff and after some final bits of shopping and sorting I caught a bus to Raglan via Hamilton at 12.30pm and arrived in Raglan at 4.40pm where the lovely Diane Cederman picked me up. For those of you that don't know I met Diane, her husband, Brent, their friend Andy and his wife Mary-Ann, who sadly didn't make it out of the tsunami, the night before the tsunami hit. So it was great to see them again and to recount our different stories and piece things together over some good food and a glass of wine or two. After dinner we hoped in the hot tub on the deck ... gotta get me one of those when I come back.

Wednesday Brent took me on a driving tour of Raglan, Manu Bay, Karioi and Bridal Veil Falls which was fabulous, such wonderful landscapes here in parts so similar to the UK and then so different. After lunch I decided to walk into Raglan form Diane and Brent's house which took me about an hour, where I had a look round the town and had an ice cream down by the wharf before Diane picked me up on her way home from work. Dinner was courtsey of Andy this night and was delicious and more wine and stories flowed.

Thursday Andy and his friend Steve offered to drop me in Hamilton as they were heading out that way anyway and after that I caught a bus to New Plymouth in Taranaki (central west of the north island) where Julia's Mum, Cheryl and her gran, Joan picked me up with big hugs and kisses to welcome me, it was like coming home. After an hour we were at Brent and Julia's fabulous 'peach coloured' farm house, I had serious house envy although nothing compared with the house envy I had when we got to Julia's parent's house later that evening. Walking round the corner I was greeted by a peacock and I think my exclamation was something along the lines of "Oh my god there's a peacock in your back garden", their response "Oh that's just Pete" ... after I picked my jaw up off the floor. We had a glass of wine or 2 whilst we watched Richard, Julia's brother and Jeff put the lights up for his 50th birthday bash on the Saturday. This was followed by another yummy dinner and an early night .. I keep saying I'm having these early nights and whilst I'm going to bed early I have been reading like its going out of fashion, Julia has got me into the Twightlight books (vamprie, werewolf love story ... yeah put like that, but they're good I'm on the 4th) so haven't been asleep much before midnight most nights.

Friday Jules and I headed out for a spot of lunch and after a few errands we climbed the Hawera water tower. 215 steps later (54.21m) we were at the top with some spectacular view not only of Hawera but as far as the eye could see. Only once we came down did I find out that the tower actually leans by 3 inches so Hawera has its very own leaning tower ;-) Around about this time we found out that Jules had passed one of her modules at uni so we headed back to the farm armed with a bottle of bubbles and sat in the garden lapping up the sun. Aother fairly quiet evening which believe me was the quiet before the storm.

Saturday morning Julia and I watched the first Twighlight movie and slatted it, nothing like the book they missed so much out the worst adaptation I have ever seem. Anyway then the preparations began after a few bits of last minute shopping we headed to Julia's sisters house, Sarah, and spent the next 2 hours icing fairy cakes Halloween style for Jeff's birthday cake before getting our glad wrags on for the Halloween 50th party which kicked off at 2pm ... we were fashionably late. All is a bit of blur after this there was lots of drinking, laughing, fireworks (courtsey of someone else), singing of "Alice who the f*ck is Alice", dancing, eating, and generally debauched behaviour. I'm sad to have to confess that I did actually smoke for the first time since I quit which seemed like a good idea at the time but don't worry I won't be going back there anytime soon I felt awful the next day physcially and with myself for doing it. Other than that though it was a cracking evening.

Sunday was not pretty, I now know why they call them the Taranaki Hardcore! Brunch was a t Jeff and Cheryl's and was well received but not before I had yet another jaw dropping moment when we saw what Richard had ought his Dad for his birthday .... 2 alpacas, Harry and Pedro ... it was at this point that my suspiscions that they were all mad was confirmed!!!! The funniest bit was when Jeff discovered that not only does he have to sheer them and cut their toe nails regularly he also has to grind their 6 fighting teeth down ... laugh? did we!!!

Jules and Brent headed home to do a few bits on the farm and Jeanne and Howard took me on a trip part way up Mnt Taranaki/Egmont and to Dawson Falls and then on the way back we stopped off at a vintage car shop ... photos are for you Dad x.

Once back it was nearly time for dinner so we all helped set up and enjoyed emensly before an early night as it was an early start for everyone in the morning.

8am Monday morning and I was on my way with Jeff's brother's (Brian) girlfriend, Diane and her Dad to Hamilton again, this time I was catching a bus to Rotorua where I planned to spend 3 nights before heading to Napier.

Arrived in Rotorua about 5pm rang round a few backpackers and eventually found one and once installed nipped out to Pak N' Save (it had been a while) grabbed some food and cooked myself some tea before hitting the sack or should I say reading a few more chapters of my book ;-)

In the morning headed straight to the post office as had to send m blackberry back to the UK becasue its broken as Lulu said its the unluckiest phone in history, new one should be with me by Christmas! Next stop was the i-site to book a trip to Waitomo cave for the following day and a geothermal tour. Once that was done I pulled out the Lonely Planet and headed down to the museum in Government Gardens to start one of their walking tours. As I entered the park there was a Maori ceremony of some sort taking place in the bandstand so I stood and watched what was happening, great songs and music and the clothes they were wearing were a combination of cloth, flax and bird feathers.

Headed into the museum which in its hay day had been a bath house (although was never finished when it was openend and is hopefully going to be finished by 2011). First things frst we settled down to watch a video of how Rotorua ended up as it is today ... well I nearly went running for the hills when unannounced the benches started jolting around as they would in a earthquake as part of the film!! I did eventually get my breath back but you can feel the tremors from the pews moving all through the building so I was a little on edge for the few hours I was there. Other than that it was fascinating and a great building. Particualrly enjoyed the Maori exhibition at the end where we learnt how the traditional costumes are made, what some of the stories, symbols and implements are and looked round an exhibition of black and white prints of Maori people. Such a shame the the Pink and White terraces that were believed to be the 8th wonder of the world, were destroyed in the 1886 eruption of Mnt Tarawera. They were terraces of spa pools as shown in the artisits impressions, must have been amazing. Apparently they are trying to rebuild them.

After a picnic lunch I headed down to the lake to see the black swans and along to Ohinemutu a Maori village and after a donation was allowed to wander round and take photos ... slightly disappointed that there were no signs of what things were or what they meant or even someone to ask.

Next headed up to Kuirau Park and wandered round the thermal pools ... so strange to see these bubbling, smouldering pools so close to the town. I did stop to dip my feet in one of the purpose built pools but it was way too hot for my tootsies. After that it was back into town for a wander and then back to work out a plan for the rest of the week.

Wednesday was an early start I was picked up at 7.25am outside the hostel by a slightly annoying englishman who spent most of the journey to Waitomo chatting away to us or trying to get us to sing. After a very painful 2 and a bit hours we arrived and I headed out on my first trip to Ruakuri (2 dogs) Cave where you can black water raft but I decided just to do the walking tour although it did look like fun might have to head back there when I get back. Anyway we descended the spectacular sprial entrance and then we were in the caves. It was really quite cold and earily quiet but wow was it beautiful my photos don't do it justice. There were also quite a few glowworms but you're not allowed to take photos of them but imagine a match stick stuck to the wall and the end with the phosphorus on is the glow worms bottom that's the bit that glows as its poo glows in the dark to attrack its prey, the hungrier it is the brighter it glows. They have lots of long stick threads hanging down which catch the prey and they then pull it up to eat. They do this for 9 months before hatching into a fly which lives for 3 days, lays 100s of new glow worm eggs and dies ... what a life!!

This tour took a couple of hours but was fabulous and went really quickly. Next I headed to the glow worm caves which is really for kids but the boat through the glow worm caves in the dark at the end was magic like having millions of fairly lights over your head. Once back in Waitomo village I had 3 hours to kill before the bus came to pick me up, I was very glad that (a) the sun was shining and (b) I brought my book there is next ot nothing to do in Waitomo. Eventually got back to the hostel at 6.30pm knackered so ate, did my washing and hit the sack ... worst nights sleep since I left the UK my room was between the reading room (internet access in here), the lounge, a toilet and the phone and also on the route to the front door, kitchen and showers ... even with my ear plugs in it felt like no one slept that night.

8.30am on Thursday I was picked up for my Geothermal tour and despite the poor weather and my lack of sleep we had a great time. Robbie our guide was really good fun but also incredibly knowledgeable. Inbetween taking the preverbial out of the Aussies and the Pomes he took us to the boiling mud pools, Wai-o-tapu (sacred water) famour for its champagne pool amongst many others, we then headed to Lady Knox Geyser for 10.15am where she obliged by 'blowing' on time and Waimangu Volcanic Valley where we walked down into the Volcano, breath taking in more ways than one ... the smell is unbelieveable it was starting to burn the back of my nose by the time I left but I wouldn't have missed seeing them for the world just wish the weather had been better as the colours would have been so much more vivid.

Robbie and Herman and Gail the American couple I met on the trip said they'd give me a lift round to the i-site when we got back as it was a little tight for me to get a ticket and a bus out of Rotorua to Napier and I had to get that bus. 3 hours later and through some more amazing scenery I arrived in a very sunny Napier and checked into my fabulous art deco backpackers, it was perfect ... dinner however as not so perfect but I didn't care I'd had a wander round looking at all the art deco buildings and was feeling really excited about looking around more the following day - for those of you that don't know I love art deco!

Friday morning I was up early and waiting outside the i-site first in the queue at the queue at the i-site. I booked myself onto a wine tour for the afternoon, bought an art deco walking guide and booked my next bus ticket back to Auckland for Sat morning and off I headed with a spring in my step. Took me about 2 hours to walk around and I have hundreds of photos of anything and everything art deco. After a sushi lunch I headed up to the i-ste to meet Mike our guide for the day and then realised I'd left my ticket at the hostel so dashed back and Mike said he'd pick me up from there as he was picking some others up and that's when I met the lovely Jo and Matt from Jersey.

We first headed out to Mission Bay winery which was very impressive looking and had all the granduer that you would expect from a winery that has been around for centuries. We tasted some loevly wines and surprising wines as well a Riesling in particular stood out which I would normally avoid. Mike said not to worry about not drinking all the wine if we didn't like it but in true British style we didn't waste a drop ... as we laughed is it any wonder the Brits have a reputation! Next stop was Moana Park winery where we tried the best wine of all the wineries we went to, their Sauvignon Blanc was beautiful as was there Syrah, Merlot and Merlot Malbec mix. A tiny winery it had bags of character and a real family feel to it with pedro the boxer running round like an idiot, eating stones in amongst us all. Next stop and starting to feel a bit light headed now we went to Ngatarawa winery which is in historic stables once owned by an irish man who maried a maori princess. Well I think it all got a bit out of hand as there were too many groups and we were a little worse for wear so I don't think we did their wines justice really. Finally we headed to the Vidal winery where we were given food of fresh seafood, steak, breads all antipasti style sitting in their little garden at the back ... gorgeous and the perfect end to the trip.

Once back at the hostle Matt, Jo and myself headed to the Hog's Breath for a few beers (Speights) before nipping back to the hostel to make arrangement for our early check out in the morning and then for dinner at Chai (SE Asian cuisine) which Matt and Jo very kindly bought me. After a long but thoroughly enjoyable day I fell into bed at not long after 10pm.

Yet another sore head in the morning and Matt, Jo and I caught the 8.30am bus out of Napier, they were headed to Taupo and me to Auckland. 7.5 hrs later I arrived in Auckland and walked down to the Britomart and caught a bus out to Mission Bay where Helen Gibbs picked me up. Helen shares a house with Becky who I met in Samoa and Becky's cousin also called Helen (yes it gets confusing (HRH, Cousin Helen and I'm TSu-Helen), but Becky is in the UK at the mo but the girls had said come and sta whenever so I took them up on their offer. Quick catch up and some takeaway terriyake and HRH and I headed out for few beers but I was almost falling asleep at the table so we weren't late.

Yesterday I was up early and went for a run round the bay to St Helliers which was great, have really missed some proper exercise. Then showered and after breakfast I nipped into Auckland to get some things for Rarotonga and then back to Mission Bay before HRH dropped me at Holy Trinity Cathedral in Parnell for the Tsunami Memorial Serivce organised by John Keyes government and as guests of Andy (Mary-Ann's husband). Was blown away by the Tongan Choir who were amazing and was good to catch up with everyone again.

Today I'm sorting out stuff for my insurance claim before heading out to Whangaparaoa to see Jeanne and Howard again and pick up a delivery form the UK and hopefully my sunglasses and am staying the night with them before my flight tomorrow to Rarotonga.

Have really enjoyed the time I've had in New Zealand so far despite the weather, everyone has been lovely and looked out for me brilliantly and subsequently I have seen and done some things I might not otherwise have done so a big thank you to all of you.

Now for that beach holiday that never happened, catch you on the otherside.
Hx

P.S. All my photos are now stored on Snapfish - Link below if you want to look at ALL of them only a few will be on Facebook and even less on this blog.

http://www3.snapfish.co.nz/thumbnailshare/AlbumID=1999123006/a=87322564_87322564/otsc=SHR/otsi=SALBlink/