Woke around 8am had had a lovely nights sleep. Had breakfast with Pat and Colin they then drove up to the top of the town to show us the views. Left them and drove to Auckland. Had a look around the town and marina. Saw some big yachts. Had a drink then drove to Devonport had fish and chips for lunch. Had a chill out on a park bench watching the world go by. Had a drive round then drove to Auckland Airport checked in. We fly at midnight it’s a 9.5 hour flight ...

Up at 8am Helen went to have her nails done. We checked out of the motel ! Notice a funny smell around like sulphur not too pleasant ! Popped to the shops and had breakfast in a nice coffee shop. Went to a couple of shops and brought some shirts. Left to head north stopped at the hobbit movie set where lord of the rings was filmed and the hobbit trilogies, in Matamata. Drove up to Pukekohe to stay at Matts mum and dads place (Pat And Colin ) arrived around 6pm h...

Up around 8 Helen went for a jog went to breakfast at 9am lovely view of the lake. Went for a walk then checked out and headed up to Rotorua. Stopped at Aratiatia rapids to watch them open the dam for the water to flow through. Got to the town and Went on a gondola to the top of the town. Helen And Carl went on the luge ride. Basically like a go cart down the steep hill! Had an ice cream then went to our motel ! Had to try at least one motel out in the trip. It ...

Slight lie in then met in foyer at 10am checked out the hotel and walked along to the cable car. Took 5 minutes to go up had a look around gardens at the top then went for lovely breakfast in a cafe at the top. Popped to a couple of shops then drove to our next stop Lake Taupo a 4,5 hour drive. Interesting seeing the country side on route. When we got to our hotel both had rooms overlooking the lake. Stunning views, had a couple of drinks in the bar then went to...

Up early to leave for the train station. Getting the coastal Pacific train from Christchurch to picton then the ferry to wellington, saw some lovely Scenery on the way including some dolphins and seals. The train left at 7am arrived at picton at 13.15 then walked to the ferry terminal and left 14.15 took 3 hours. When we arrived in Wellington hired a car and drove to hotel. Quiet a basic one but was ok. Walked out for dinner found a bar with snacks. Busy day trav...