17th november

Arrived in auckland, flight went quick watched some films and had mahimahi, we heart quantas. Auckland is a pretty generic city witha harbour, nothing to exciting. Next day we got over our jet lag and wondered around the city, hugh got shouted at but a pretty bonkers man with a smiley face drawn on his cheek.. pretty misleading. We watched the new twilight film which is AMAZING we BOTH loved it.

20th

Got the bus to kerikeri, started to see what looked more like real NZ. Massive gorges covered in giant plants like somthing out of the lost world. Arrived at sue's. Was really lovely to meet her and catch up on a lifetime of family stuff!

21st

got the bus (rip off) to Paihia then a bout trip around the bay of islands saw dolphins swimming along side the boat! was a lush day and saw beautiful views from 'Urupukapuka island' had some pricey but tastey fush n chups! Been lovely staying at Sue's and catching up. Next day got the bumpiest bus ever to Kaitaia.

23rd

After we arrived we found that the only way to see the 90 mile beach and cape reinga is to do a bus tour, wish we had a car. Went on the tour, cape reinga and the most north part of New Zealand where the tamsam sea and the pacific ocean meet is aparntly representing love. Went sand taboggoning was fun, and down some of 90 ile beach which is actually 60 miles. Afterwards went to book at bus to Rotorua but its $140! so we've decided to hitch.

24th

2nd car that drove past pulled in and the friendly maori guy took us on a random de-tour to his farm.. but it was fine and ended up getting picked up by another german couple who took us all the way to auckland. Spent the night there then booked the bus for Rotorua the next day.