I survived the jump - unbelievable scenes, makes me feel sick thinking about it now but most surreal experience ever.

big night out in Taupo to celebrate living, not even well enough sunday for the morning Waikato river dip that served us so well. So Hungover off to National Park - the town close to Mt Ruhapeo / Tongariro (Mt Doom) for the 18km Tongariro crossing, active volcano, steaming vents, emerald pools etc etc. The walk was really tough, soaking wet, death on a stick winds and we could see nothing when we reached the summit - nice. the dip in the baltic river was a welcome feeling after 18k's. Met up with Tom, Anna, Rachel again then headed off to Whanganui.....s*** hole.

Due to the ropey fish and chips and moody dump valve loving kids we marched on to Hawera to check out my old man's stomping ground. Spent the night on the beach. more rain than you could imagine. Hawera was cool - met with Dad's barber Paul, picked up some tips then checked out the sports centre and dad's office. Nice view of the water tower. We made it down to Wellington the same day.

Liked the city, Cuba St is the spot, 2nd hand record shops and coffee shops i was in heaven. some nice bars but no people. jacked the car up in main road and went for a few drinks, tasting room, basement....Armed robbery whilst we were there...nice.

1 more day in Wellington, Chocolate Fish nice cafe - bays around wellington are some prime spots, scorching bay, chairlifts to your front door on the side of the cliff etc etc. Te Papa museum, cool, more coffee.

met with mum's cousin jan, she's lovely, nice to make contact. managed to then book ticket for ferry crossing to Picton for next am - slept in the ferry port...:-(

Ferry was cool - very scenic coming into Marlborough Sounds, Picton was OK we just wanted to head out quick and get to Nelson.