Kia Ora Everybody!!
Hope everyone is okay - I can't believe I've had almost two weeks in New Zealand already the time is just flying by. Have loads to cach up on. My first day in Auckland was a bit naff to be honest but self-inflicted naffness. I decided to do a coast to ccoast to walk in Auckland but barely made it half way before getting completely lost around the universtiy campus. I eventually found my way back to the hostel and felt sorry for myself for the the rest of the evening. The weekend however was awesome. After exploring Mt Eden in Auckland I arranged to meet up with Karen and Terry and we ended up spending the weekend together and it was a great introduction to New Zealand, so much better than the mystery tour from the previos day. Terry and I went surfing at Piha Beach and that was great fun. We watched the sun go down and then went back and chucked a few steaks on the barbie. It was a great weekend so thanks again guys for putting me up and putting up with me!!
Last week was spent at Paihia (Bay of Islands) and Cape Reinga. I went on a 'hole in the rock' cruise and on the way we saw several pods of dolphins....sweet as!
A had already decided to do a cruise where you'may' get the opportunity to swim with dolphins. After my preivous cruise I thought we were guaranteed dolphine action but we didn't see b***** all. We got to go back the morning after for free and even then we didn't see jack all. A little bit gutted but apparently in the south island there is more of achance of seeing them.
We also went up to Cape Reinga via Ninety Mile Beach and that was awesome. We saw where the Pacific Ocean meets the Tasman Sea. I took some awesome pics which I'll upload in the next couple of days. To finish off that day we went sand boarding down a huge sand dune. Awesome fun!!!!
On our days off, I did a couple of walks to Pahia Woods and also to Hura Falls. Passed some woman in the woods at Paihia who insisted the views were amazing but she's obviously not seen too many hill views before cos we both thought they were pretty average.
When we finally made our way back to Auckland a few of us decided to go and watch a rugby match at Eden Park. We caught the Auckland Blues vs ?????? Lions. I think the Lions were from Australia but not 100% sure.
At the moment we are in Whitianga where I've packed quite a bit in. Today I've just chilled but the day before I hired a bike and ventured off the beaten track to explore a few beaches. I've also developed a liking to sea kayaking as well. All in all having a great time after a shaky start.
Finally - I've decided to cut NZ short by a week and I'll be spending just over a week in Fiji.....woo hoo!

Sweet as bro......

Love Dan xx