Well, its been a long wait for you all but here at last is our tales from New Zealand. We had an amazing time there and don't think we'll ever forget the spectacular scenery and the pride of the maori people. It has been our favourite country so far and we highly recommend everyone to visit. Our trip was pretty hectic so we have had to condense slightly but here is the itineary with as much detail added in... DAY ONE - AUCKLAND TO WHITIANGA First stop is the panaramic view of Tamaki Makaurau (Auckland Region) from the top of Maungawhau (Mt Eden), one of over 50 dormant volcanoes in the area. Then off to the Coromandel Penisula for our first spectatular views of New Zealand. Spend the afternoon at Hahei Beach, a beautiful beach where we take a 45 minute walk down to Cathedral Cove. DAY TWO - WHITIANGA TO ROTORUA Rotorua, New Zealand's culture capital. Lorraine stops for a spot of Zorbing before we head off Whanarewewa Thermal Reserve famous for its bubbling mud and steaming geysers. The girls get to learn the Maroi women's dance 'poi' - soft balls on long string, while the boys learn the infamous haka. Hangi Concert at Tamaki Maroi Village, a total evening of maroi culture spent in an authentic village. Starting with the Challange of the Chiefs before the Waiata (song), dance and more haka. Then onto the hangi, a meal that has been steamed in the ground all day - yum! DAY 3 - ROTORUA TO WAITOMO Waitomo Caves - The local caves hiding under the green Waitomo countryside are made out of limestone which is basically very old dead fish, about 40million years! Blackwater Rafting / cave-tubing:- 3 hrs of underground tubing in the caves in designer westuits with nothing but a rubber ring to sit on! Visit to Angora Rabbit Shearing Shed Evening in local pub. DAY 4 - WAITOMO TO TAUPO Marokopa Falls - One of NZ's most spectaulular, 36metres high. Mangapohue (Te Koipa) Natural Bridge - a 15metre limestone arch On towards Tongariro National Park and Taupo, stop at Huka (foam) Falls, 11 metres high, on the flowing Waitomo Water. THE BIG SKY DIVE - The largest lake in Australasia and bigger than Singapore! Very scary experience but exhilerating and breathtaking. Lots of drinking and dancing at Mulligans and Holy Cow. DAY 5 - TAUPO Spend day hungover after afore mentioned dancing & drinking, spot of sunbathing at Lake Taupo. DAY 6 - TAUPO TO RIVER VALLEY Tongariro National Park - 2hr walk (tramp), taking in Taranaki Falls and 3 large volcanoes, Mount Ruapehu, Ngauruhoe (Mount Doom in LOTR) and Tongariro. River valley Lodge - A relaxing hideway on the Rangitikei River, a chance to relax after the mayhem of Taupo. DAY 8 - RIVER VALLEY TO WELLINGTON A treat for us at the Base Santuary where we are treated to free toiletrees and a white fluffy towel (you learn to appreciate the small things while on the road!). A night out with our bus mates before an early start. DAY 9 - WELLINGTON TO PICTON / NELSON Ferry across Cook Strait to the South Island, 3hr trip, through the Queen Charlotte and Malborough Sounds, very scenic. Nelson - Look around the town, a few drinks at the hostel and a chance for an early night. DAY 10 - NELSON TO WESTPORT BEACH DAY! Spend the morning on Kaiteriteri beach, the first chance to top up our tans and relax. Horseriding at Buller Gorge - a 3hr trek through native bush down to the shores of the Buller River, even had a canter and a gallop. Spent the evening in a quiet country pub with good pizza, tending to our aches and pains - which got better the more we drank! DAY 11 - WESTPORT - MAHINAPUA (Poo Pub) Head down spectacular West Coast road. Walk down one of New Zealand's largest seal colonies, down to Cape Foulwind and Tauranga Bay. Beach Party at Poo Pub - Interesting venue! DAY 12 - LAKE MAHINAPUA - FRANZ JOSEF Enter Westland National Park, home to 60 named glaciers including Franz Josef and Fox. We stop at the village to book hikes and tours for the next day. DAY 13 - FRANJ JOSEF Lorraine does a 6hr hike up to Franz Josef glacier. Amelia has a day off as back is playing up. DAY 14 - FRANJ JOSEF TO WANAKA Lake Matheson - One of the best mirror lakes in NZ, reflecting stunning views of Mount Cook and the Southern Alps. (See the picture) Wanake - A beautiful small town centered around Lake Wanaka. Alison's 21st birthday, one of the Americans travelling with us. DAY 15 - WANAKA - QUEENSTOWN Puzzling World Kawarau Bungee - The first offical bungee site in the world and a chance for some crazy people (not us) to throw themsleves off a bridge, we're saving ourselves for Victoria Falls! Group Picture in front of Lake. Afternoon spent relaxing at the lake, some had a swim in the freezing glacier water but needles to say the water didn't get past our knees! The first of many nights out in Queenstown at World Bar, the birthplace of cocktails in teapots. DAY 16 - QUEENSTOWN Milford Sounds - 5hr bus ride to the spectacular Milford Sounds, stopping at Te Anau before doing a 3hr cruise through the Sounds, actually correctly a Fiorde. Visited the Underwater Observatory before heading back to Queenstown passing spectaular landscapes on the way. DAY 17 - QUENSTOWN Lorraine goes hand-gliding, Amelia explores Queenstown. DAY 18 - QUEENSTOWN TO CHRISTCHURCH Lake Pukaki, Mount Cook and Lake Tekapo - beautiful clear lakes with more stunning scenery. Church of the Good Shepherd. On to Christchurch to meet up with our American friends, dinner out and bowling. DAY 19 - CHRISTCHURCH A rare chance to go shopping! DAY 20 - CHRISTCHURCH - KAIKOURA Whale Watching - Whales asleep so had to ot for Seal Swimming instead! Donned our westsuits yet again and got up close with a seal colony, its amazing how much we looked like them in those suits! Fish & Chips at the seaside. DAY 21 - KAIKOURA TO WELLINGTON Beatuful coastline, stopped at a seal colony. Back at Base in Wellington. DAY 22 - WELLINGTON Day at Botanical Gardens and on the famous Cable Car down to the city. Another night in Wellington and a chance to meet up with Melanie, the sister of one of Lorraine's friends from home. DAY 23 - WELLINGTON - TAUPO One of our favourite towns in NZ. Stayed at a lovely hostel, Tiki Lodge. DAY 24 - TAUPO DAY 25 - TAUPO - AUCKLAND Back to the City of Sails and NZ's Capital. From Auckland we went north to spend a couple of days in the Bay of Islands (Paihia). Staying at the Pipi Patch were we spent a lovely Valentine's, had beautifil weather, stunning views and challenging walks!