New Zealand has brought. . . a new exchange rate to remember, a change back from hungry jacks to burger king, and welcome rain has turned into cold rain. China town is full of Koreans, and iced coffees have turned back into hot coffees. Auckland is. . . as i had been warned, nothing special. Another big city without the character of melbourne or sydney, or the heat of cairns. Chcolate has returned to a more reasonable price, and timtams are (thank god) still popular. The hostel is the quietest i have ever stayed in. The kitchen shows evidence of human life, but the deserted living areas tell a different story! Apart from the girls in my room, i havent met a single other backpacker here! The hill that the hostel is situated on should keep my legs pretty fit, although im not sure if i can make it back up there!- i have no hope for the rest of the country! Leaving Auckland bright and early tomorow morning, venturing through Waitomo to Rotorua. New Zealand seems more willing to embrace its indiginous culture than Australia, and one of the main activities there is a visit to a maori village which sounds exciting! Roamed Auckland's main streets today and done what comes naturally. . . shopping. Still not bought a hoodie but have everything else i could ever need!