Hello journal,

Went out in Auckland last night with 3 guys and 2 girls from my dorm. Was a good night but I think all these late nights have caught up on me and we went to bed before the real partying got going.

Woke up at 6 for an early start. My Kiwi Experience bus doesnt depart until monday but I didn't want to spend too much longer in Auckland so I bought a pass to take me to the Bay of Islands which is north of Auckland and a must see according to Lonely Planet.

The bus left at 7 and was a 5 hour drive up to Pahia, the tourist area around the bay. Several people came from my hostel and we've found somewhere to stay together, the girls are quite young but seem nice enough as temporary travelling buddies. Have been too tired to do much except eat today but there's some good things to do here including swimming with dolphins, walks, whale watching etc.

I'm going to get on a quick boat tommorrow that sails round some of the 144 islands and goes to the hole in the rock and around the bay just so I don't miss anything pretty. Doesnt quite compare to the scenary in Fiji but its quaint! Having a taste of true kiwi "Fush 'n' Chips" tonight, but I'm not convinced yet.

Been away for a month today which feels very bizarre. can't say I'm really missing home that much yet though, there's just too much to do and so much moving around. Loving the New Zealand thang.