Auckland is a great city with lots of green public spaces...and again the most amazing trees, flowers and landscaping in Albert Park. Spent quite a while in the Auckland Art Gallery. What an amazing space ...old and new perfectly blended. Beautiful exhibition space and interesting exhibits. Such a pleasure. Took the ferry across to Devonport for the views from across the harbour. Great experience, especially as the Americas Cup yachts were out to play. Definatel...

Grey skies and a chilly wind greeted us this morning in Auckland. Lyn and Simon decided that it was time to head south, as this grey day is a great travelling day, so that they don't run out of time on South Island. We are looking forward to seeing a schoolfriend of Clint's, Graham Robertson, tonight and hopefully meeting up with Caylee some time. Catching up on some emails etc while the wifi from the Holiday Park allows it and then off to drop off the van and c...

Dylan's Birthday ! How strange to be spending it so far away from him ! What a blessing he has been for us ...and here is wishing him all the happiness and success for the future. Today we arrived in Auckland, after a slow drive along the coast from Thames. On the radio we hear that there was a big earthquake in Auckland. Oops ! Luckily we missed it, and it looks as if there was no damage. There is a good reason why the houses here are made of wood ! on our driv...

Judy's joined the 50s Club ....and what a great advert she is ! Looking good ! Today was another 1st for me ...there have been many on this trip...declaring a beach the best I have ever seen and that in the driving rain. Cathedral Cove near Hahei certainly deserves the title, even in the rain. Just amazing cave and rock formations, beautiful water and just amazing trees right on the beach. On a perfect day ...this is paradise ! We were hoping to do a sea-kayakin...

North Island life is more hectic than South Island and this seems to have leached into our existence. Not getting around to writing the blog ...somehow not managing to fit as much into our days here. Not a good sign ! South Island was definately the more "warm &fuzzy" place to be ...real tourist heaven and a magical place, a real paradise in all senses of the word. It definately had one feeling at the edge of the world...in a very good way. It is said that ...