I am back in Townsville for Christmas. I had a good birthday yesterday. I had a delicious cooked breakfast while I opened my pressies. We then went shopping (aircon is required for all activities here as it is about 33'C and over 80% humidity!). We then went for an icecream and I spent the afternoon relaxing. Catherine cooked a delicious roast dinner, and I got to speak to lots of you on the phone which was nice. The evening show was a huge (by my standards, but...

I spent yesterday travelling back up to Auckland. I went out on the evening with Michelle and Siobhan for some dinner, then they took me for a drive down Franklin road which is full of Christmas lights. I then got up at 3.30 this morn to fly back to Oz. Still waiting for 2nd flight as both been delayed so going to be a long day. I get to Cairns tonight then get a bus to Townsville in the morning.

And today I did a skydive over lake Taupo!

On Monday we drove back up to Picton where we got the ferry to the north island and stayed the night in Wellington. Today I went to the Te Papa museum and then for a wander around the city. Tonight I am going to the cinema with the few remaining kiwi experience crew!

Sunday was an early start as we headed across the northern Canterbury Plains towards Kaikoura, my final stop (that I haven't already been to). Kaikoura is famous for it's dolphins and whales but as I have already been so lucky with my sea animal viewings, I chose to save some money. I spent the day relaxing on the beach and playing cards before an early night and some much needed sleep.