Our wake up call got us going at 02:30am NZ June 12th. The shuttle was ready to take us to the airport where we the first to check in. Security was not open however so we waited patiently as the crowd around us grew. Eventually we got through, only to have another wait as the flight was delayed by half an hour. The flight itself was slightly bumpy in places, thankfully not during breakfast though. At Brisbane the sun was shining & we had to pass throug...

A lovely breakfast in the hotel set us up for the day. We explored the cities Marina & shops, before going to SkyCity & up the Sky Tower. The tower is the tallest building in the southern hemisphere & provided great views of the city. Prometheus provided the afternoons entertainment in the IMAX, before we departed for the Airport Inn. Dropping the car of was easy. As was finding a nice restaurant just over the road. An early night was needed as...

Today was about relaxing at the lush Langham hotel. An enjoyable lunch was had in the main restaurant. We were quite tired following the previous nights drinking for the rugby. Following & afternoon nap we used the pool & spa facilities. We dined in the Eight restaurant. This unique dining experience involved having eight different kitchens with there own chefs. All you had to do was pop along & choose your food. I once again made the most of the s...

The drive up the coast through winding roads, was broken up with a stop off & a stroll down Hot Water Beach. At low tide you can dig a hole in the sand that allows the water heated by volcanic rock to create your own spa pool. We were not in a digging mood however so we continued on to Whitianga. Lunch was had overlooking the marina, where I had some fantastic fresh Bluff Oysters. With the sun intermittently being covered by cloud, sun bathing was not an o...

Sunshine, sea, & sand from the get go today. Straight out of bed we went for a run up & down the beach. Waihi Beach is a 9km stretch of white sand & it was hot enough to have a wade into the sea, then dry off on the beach. There were a few people out surfing, in wet suits, wimps! Continuing the exercise I went to the gym, before we both headed off to do the costal walk we tried to do yesterday. This hour & half round trip took us to Orokawa Ba...