Today we got to swim with the dolphins. Not dolphins at a wildlife park or aquarium, real wild ocean-dwelling dolphins. We caught the explore NZ boat from the Paihia dock early this morning and spent a good hour cruising through the Bay of Islands in search of sea-life. The day was crisp and clear; we were able to sit at the front of the boat in the early-morning sunshine taking in the view of passing islands. Stell was the keen-eyed person who first spotte...

You've just got to love the first full day of your holiday. You wake up that morning and think 'I'm here, and it's all just beginning- I've got however many weeks off, and work is as far away as it's going to get'. You can sleep in, chill out, relax and enjoy the serenity that is that first day of holidays. Unless, that is, you want to go and have some fun. W started our day early but as it turns out Stell should have just stayed in bed. First day- first ho...

I've always loved flying. It's a mixture of things that make it such an exhilarating experience. That moment when the engine really starts roaring and your pushed back into your seat, or knowing that when you get off the plane there is a whole new corner of the world to explore. For me, that excitement is multiplied a million times over if your destination is one that you have never visited before. Auckland is definitely a new part of the world for me. ...