Tues, Apr 15-20 Cairns - 5 days in Cairns, so little time, so much to do. One has to take a day in an activity filled place to settle and figure out what you would like to see. Every city has many attractive activities however, asking a local to ensure you book the top activities for the amount of time you have, at a reasonable price. This is why NOT to book activities in advance. Unless you take in something extremely popular (for example the Sydney opera ...

Australia #2 - the East I started in Brisbane and was going to drive to Cairns - but it would take too long and it is exhausting. Also, the Gold Coast isan hour south but you cannot swim in the ocean becuase of jellyfish AND it is REALLY expensive so no point. Apr 13-14 Brisbane - The River City. I only had 2 days in Brisbane but could have stayed longer. It is not on the coast but in a ways on the Brisbane River. I arrived late so really only had one day to...

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 ...