Arrived in Napier from Taupo after a 2h bus journey arriving at the Albatross Motel which was fine, which was just as well as it was the only bed left in town because of the cricket starting the next day. It was a 40 minute walk to the ground which started pleasantly enough with very attractive harbours but then became dull along industrial then residential areas. Like Hamilton its not somewhere you would want to go for long without a specific reason. The decidi...

After a 6h bus journey which was very quiet following last night, I was dropped off at the Barmy Army's hotel and the Lynford Budget Motel manager picked me up for free. Turned out to be a great place to stay - near the beautiful blue lake, clean, spacious and a much needed laundrette. I walked straight into town, having a bowl in the cricket net along the way, and booked two trips including........could hardly beleive I was doing it myself......a 15000ft tandem ...

Had a morning around Rotoura town centre then caught the Bus which took nearly 8 hours and many ipod songs to roll into Wellington via Palmerston North. I walked from the bus stop in the dark to Wellywood Backpackers, and didnt get lost once much to my surprise. I met Gibbo who had already arrived and had laid claim (rightly as first arrival!) to the only lower bunk bed. We did get an upgrade for a few nights thanks to a welcome clerical error. The 2nd Test Mat...

Got up and checked out of the interesting Commercial Hotel in Hamilton and after a comfortable 2 hour coach trip got to Rotorua. A far far bigger place than I had realised on my only other trip here in 2002, and a popular venue for many between the first two Test Matches. Had a quiet first afternoon, doing exciting things like visiting supermarkets and laundry and also booking various activities the next day. Couldnt be bothered to go out in the evening so ate ...

Had to change planes at Christchurch so it took a while to get to Hamilton from Queenstown, where I got an efficient shuttle bus and arrived at the perfectly located Commercial Hotel at 9pm. Its a strange place, upstairs where the laundry room is it resembles a weirdos convention - I wouldnt have fancied staying up there on my own. Luckily I was meeting Gibbo and we had a good room downstairs anyway. The following morning the Test Match started, New Zealand rack...