It's been a fairly relaxed day after the last two. Back to Auckland and the harbour, complete with high-rise buildings. We have been in peaceful surroundings in the North. Today the drive along the beach was like a rollercoaster ride. Fast and bumpy. Digging for the Pipi Clams was a joy. You dig your toes into the sand, feel what feel like marbles and dig. I could have stayed all day. Honestly , if I don't get in the water at least every day now I'm sad. I ...

This is the most northern place on the north island and is a sacred place for the Maori people. The Maoris believe this is where the spirit leaves the earth. It's a lovely location. I don't know what it is about New Zealand but everywhere you go it is always stunning!

Had a lovely time in the Bay of Islands, very bumpy on the boat, much sickness aboard the boat.Not us thank goodness. Got soaked though and laughed so hard I got tummy ache. Saw dolphins it was amazing. James got some good photos so he was very pleased!!!!!! I heard today that cruises in the bay have been cancelled due to the rough conditions, so feel very lucky to have had the opportunity we did. It's mad seeing them playing just for fun and I feel very priv...

I've seen a real Kiwi. Went today to the Agrodome to watch sheep dog trial, sheep shearing and I milked a cow! I volunteered, I've always wanted to try it, its supposed to be really difficult. It was no probs. It was a great show, really interactive. So much laughter. It's fab when every-one takes part and no-one takes themselves too seriously. After this we went on to Te Puia, a Maori craft and skills centre. It was lovely. They are trying so hard to hold ont...

This is Lake Rotoura, one of the many spectacular scenes we saw on our long trip today. To be honest the journey was nowhere near as bad as I had anticipated. There are only about 4 million people on the North Island, so there is plenty of space and so much to see. It really is awe inspiring. It feels like you have plenty of time and space to really breath. So different to Sydney. The houses are low level and sprawl around. The vegetation is lush and green. I'v...