a quick round up for now on the north island. we both loved the more central areas as everything from the countryside to the people were brilliant. managed to see things like the hot mud pools and springs to the great lakes to " mount doom " , went rafting and sledging , and we didn't even scratch the surface of what ther is to see and do! if have the chance again would get a vehicle and tour around . that said we managed to see loads and really enjoyed everything we saw and did! off to the south island and am told even better , the only place we didn't rate was wellington , but that could just be us! well must get haven't time to seat arond on these things , places to go , things to do, ha!