Well, we've now been in New Zealand for just over a month - it's still cold, we're wondering if summer is ever going to arrive here!! We're still in Tauranga but have been getting away most weekends in our van (who is named Mr Jingles).

A couple of weeks ago we went to Auckland because Jack had bid on a bike to get to work, and he won it so we had to pick it up. On the way back, we got in touch with a couple we met (who are from Inchture!! (For those that don't know, that's near Perth (Scotland)))!!! They are living in Pukakohe, which is half way between Tauranga and Auckland. We got in our vans and drove to Miranda. It wasn't ideal camping weather, it was raining, cold and very windy. On the plus side, we all got a discount at the camping ground because we were Scottish and the woman on reception loved Billy Connelly! Jack kept his mouth shut because he's not Scottish and doesn't like Billy Connelly (I know, it's crazy!!).

We back the vans up to each other, opened the boots and put a tarp over to cover us from the cold and rain - it kind of worked!! We had bought supplies before we left, and made sausages for dinner. Angela and I had bought a box of wine, thinking we were being very cost efficient - it turned out it tasted like ribena, and was 5%!!! Not too impressed.

That weekend was the first night we slept in the van, and it was ok (apart from the bike digging in a bit, but that wont be there for other times!!). We've got seats in the back, but we just put them down and put roll mats over them - it's not as uncomfortable as it sounds, honest!!

The next day we got up and drove a little way up the Coromandel Peninsula. We stopped to make some 2 minute noodles (lifesavers, they are!) and coffee, by the beach. We spent the rest of the afternoon taking it in turns to ride around on Jack's bike!

So, our first camping trip was really good fun, but unfortunately we had to go back to work on Monday and wait till the next weekend....!!