Today we started our proper Kiwi Experience bus trip heading from Auckland to Whitianga.

We left the hostel at around 8am and headed around the coast to the Commandel Province stopping for lunch in Thames before crossing some amazing mountains to a place called Cathedral Cove.

Our bus driver let us out to walk to the cove which was supposed to take 45 minutes but either they can't count or they were estimating it for people crawling! en route to the cove we stopped at Stingray bay which was pretty spectacular as we were surrounded by limestone cliffs and despite it being winter it was pretty warm, we even ventured into T-shirts!!!

Further round the coast after some killer steps we reached the cove, which is something special! Once again we were surrounded by limestone cliffs, one with a waterfall running off it, a couple of islets in the sea and to the left of us a huge hole in the cliff in the shape of a cathedral (if you use your imagination!!!! It had a pointy roof!). The hole lead to more cliffs and beach but the tide was too high to venture much further.

On the way back we took a little detour through some mud and rocks which required a little run as we were late for the bus! We managed to reach the car park on time for our bus journey on to Whitianga which meant crossing back across the mountain range and a 45 minute drive down the road.

When we pulled into Whitianga we could see why kiwi's chose it for their holidays. It is the nicest little place right on the sea front which was across the road from our hostel.

After settling in, us and a few others went to do a little bit of bone carving! We made some Maori symbols meaning good luck and safe journeys out of cow bones using a dentist drill! There's something you don't do every day!!! It was pretty good fun though and I'm pleased to say they turned out pretty well and don't look at all like bone! Traditionally they were made from whales bones and teeth but they aren't allowed to anymore! We're both going to end up like Mr. T by the time we get home with all the beads and things we're making!!!

After our hard work it was time for the pub and a little quiz! We started so well leading by 9 points after the 1st round and even being the 1st team to get the bonus question right. Sadly we ended up 2nd last, even though we had a kiwi on our side!!!

It was time to move on...to pikey ville!!! I'd like to say it was nice to mix with the locals but, I'd be lying!! At least we were compensated with some free drinks! We played a little pool, once again very badly and then headed back, after Chris and Rob were suitably drunk, for some sleep before our middle of the night start to Rotorua!!