Christmas in Auckland, well what was left of it, i didn't wake up until 15.00 as the jet lag and travelling in Asia finally kicked in. I just got some fresh air before taking a mosey at the hostal bar in ACB backpackers, i could tell from the noise that i was well behind in the drinking stakes. There was a cracking atmosphere and all the normal athems kicking out of the i-pod, and lots of nationalites making a racket aboove all the other raised voices. I found a table with a Blackburn lad, Thomas (Germany) and Martin (Dutch). It turned out to be a great afternoon/evening/morining, lots of beer in the bar, followed by gallons of vodka/red bull at the club downstairs (globe) until the early hours. I obviously overdid the redbull as i only got one hours vodka sleep before being wide awake at 05.30 on the redbull rush.

Red eyed but wide awake i surfed the net for a few hours waiting for everyone to wake up!. Spent the day sightseeing, Auckland tower is a beast of a view. The crazy, adrenalin junkies here have decided to let people jump off the 192 metre tower, or walk round it if you wish. Got to admit, i can't do it, not worth the sleepness nights worrying. I've done my bungie in Oz, the rush was great but does not outway the stomach churning feeling thinking about it. I opt for going in the lift and the safety of the glass which is still pretty impressive, great views of the city.

To quell the hangover i go with Martin to the minus5 bar on the harbour, it's pretty cool, a bar full of ice sculptures and as the names suggests, it's -5. hence you wear a big jacket, boots and mits, but i look a bit odd as i'm wearing shorts so my hairy legs stick out. You drink out of ice glasses, vodka, and its just something a bit quirky, worth a visit.

At night, after all the noodles and rice in Aisa we plum for a juicy steak and fine Malborough red, boy it was like a dream, great food, think it was called Arthurs restaurant?. It's just from the backpackers, first right out on the main road, right up the hill. There's a great little Irish bar just down the hill too with a live band nightly, a few cool beers slip down well after the meal.

Today was all about planning, i'm off to Christchurch tomorrow. I am doing some stuff in Christchurch, trans alpine express to Greymouth (overnight stay), Hammer springs, white water rafting and then will probably take a car round the rest of the south island on my route back up North. Not yet certain, but that seems to be the best option. I think i will take a car share with Martin, it's the cheapest and most flexible option to cover all the activities, and boy is there so much to do in the south island.

Will let you know soon how it goes

Bye for now!