Nigel Hughes - Airbnb - I arrived in Auckland at 7:30ish to a full blown soiree! I knocked on the door and was greeted by someone who did not know Nigel - oh oh! I finally met him and his other house guest - Franklin Rose. He was an ex West Indies cricketer, bowler and he was having a *house warming* party as he had only moved in a short time ago. There was a mix of Nigel and Franklin friends with a lot of really yummy Jamaican food and people. I ate and as t...

Apr 4 -5 Taupo - is a rather large Geothermal area. I arrived early afternoon and stayed at a hostel, single room. Bathrooms adjoined with electronic system so when you are using toilet, you press the red button which locks the other person out - feels like you have your own bathroom! This is very important after travelling and *sharing* so long - as you get older, sharing toilet facilities with anyone but your spouse is sometimes gag worthy, one step above di...

Apr 1-3 - Nelson Stayed at Joy Garden Villa. Had some trouble finding it so arrived late - 5:30ish. Joy gave me the biggest suite which was beautiful - huge, and lovely patio with a little stream and garden. I had some time to relax after a harrowing ride. Nelson is near the Abel Tasman Trek and known for their arts community. Relaxed that night and slept very well. Apr 2 - Abel Tasman Day Trip - No time for the whole trek which takes 3 full ...

Christchurch - in the afternoon, on my way to Hamner Springs, I passed through - just wanted to see how the earthquake that happened almost 3 years to the day earlier, had affected the city. I was shocked at how much damage there still was. - Check out my photos. There is still an eerie air of loss however; the people here seem to be coping well; evident by the colorful graffiti on the walls of buildings damaged everywhere. It was sad. Hamner Hot Springs - a...

These next few blogs capture the essence of my road trip from Queenstown to Auckland - March 30-Apr 6. The pictures tell the story of the everchanging landscape, crazy winding roads and the most interesting atractions along the wasy - enjoy! Mar 30 am - off to rent my car (driving on the left again! At least it is an automatic). Before I left around 11am, I had to partake in a *Ferberger* - the most famous burger in NZ! You line up for 15 min to order (I ord...