Hey Team,

I have been on the Kiwi Experiecne for 5 days now. I'm in a place called Taupo and It is absolutely stunning. It is where a lot of Lord of the Rings was filmed so its pretty awesome!

Iv'e Already been to places called Whitianga, Rotorua and Waitomo. I already absolutley love New Zealand, it has been lovely clear weather since I arrived which is always a bonus! The scenery is like nothing I've ever seen, It's so beautiful and dramatic. Huge cliffs and valleys with rivers running through them everywhere you look! Obviously my interest in Geography helps too!!

I did the Hot mud pools and Geysers and Waitomo glow-worm cave black-water rafting a couple of days ago and of course the famous Skydive here in Taupo! It was honestly the best experience I have ever had. There was a stunning view and it was a perfect day for it! I can't wait to show everyone the DVD and photos!

We also stopped in a place called Hobbiton where the Lord of the Rings set was desinged, built and filmed on. It was pretty cool and there was a little sculpture of Gollum next to the sign!

Two nights ago in Rotorua I went to a Maori cultural evening. There was a big presentation and a village we could walk through and talk to the people. Then we had an enrmous all you can eat buffet. All cooked traditionally in underground pits covered with volcano rocks and sacks. It gave a really delicious smoky flavour. We had chicken, lamb, fish, potatoes and corrots all cooked underground!

I'm having such an amazing experience so far and I'm starting to like in the most out of anywhere so far. I can't wait to keep touring round the country and see some of the south island. I have met lots of really nice people already and it has helped make travelling alone very easy.

I forgot to mention I went fishing today and caught a beautiful little 1 pound rainbow trout on a spinner in the Waikato River which is the only river running out of Lake Taupo, it is the most beautiful river ever, its so clear and when the sun is out it goes a gorgeous blue colour, It is really deep as well. It was awesome. I caught the fish about a mile down stream from the river mouth. What a day! The coolest part of the river is a bit further downstream where there is a thermal tributary! It drains really hot water right into the river! There is a perfect spot to sit and relax in the heat and then swin out into the cold river to cool off again! the water is so clean you can swim out and just drink it straight away! It's honestly the best tasting water I have tasted!

Hopefully this will catch everyone up on my actions in New Zealand!

Lots of Love.

xxxx