As we drove into Wellington through the dock area (to book our ferry to the south island), immediate reaction was another city, but we have been pleasantly surprised. Once again the weather making all the difference; raining and cold yesterday, sunny and chilly today. Wellington is the capital city, housing parliament building (the politicians' offices being called the 'Beehive' - hope it's appropriate) and very compact so easily explored on foot. We took the c...

Although the weather was not good on our journey south from Rotorua, cold, wet and windy, the scenery was far from boring. We travelled over the central plateau, a volcanic area, at the centre of which is New Zeland's largest lake, Taupo, a vast water filled crater. The area is also renowned for skydiving, bungy jumping and jet boating, all of which are out of season - thank goodness. At the southern end of the lake is Tongariro National Park which contains thre...

Today the weather has been kind to us, only rained later in the day but still seriously cold. We have our thermal vests on and must say it is a long time since we have worn vests let alone tucked them in our pants to keep our backs warm!! We are saving the long johns for the the south island where it is even colder they say. Rotorua is certainly a wonderland of splendid geysers, colourful rocks formed from silica and lime deposits, hot bubbling mud pools and ste...

Arrived in Rotorua home of the hot springs and must say the smell is delightful - supposed to be sulphur from the geysers but smells more like rotten eggs to us. Only good thing is at least Ray can let go of his flatulence without everyone looking to see where the smell is coming from. Off to experience all the hot bubbling mud and Maori culture today so will update later. Jen and Ray

Arriving in New Zealand this time was not so traumatic and everybody was very friendly, but when they found out we were English took great delight in 'taking the the mick' about the rugby at the weekend. Stayed in a Formule 1 Hotel; have seen them in Europe but what strange places. Literally looked like a pit stop in reception and the room had everything in - comfortable bed, lovely crisp white sheets, television, dvd, kitchen, washing machine, shower and toile...