Thursday - We left 'Auckland' and drove 4h up the coast to the 'Bay of Islands' right at the far tip of 'New Zealand'. It was a really nice and sunny day, which made the drive nice. We drove through stunning costal scenery, picturesque green hills and tiny sandy bays. We arrived in 'Paihia' and checked into "Saltwater Lodge". It is $21 and really nice; en-suite, good kitchen and huge TV lounge. We had a little wander around the very cute town, little craft shops and cafes. The harbour is also really nice, with lots of fishing boats. It is a really calm place, so we are chilling out here for a few days - especially me as I have picked up a rather nasty cold. Friday - Had a great lie in today!!! It is the first time that I have been up after 8.30am since OZ! We grabbed some lunch and then headed into town for a walk, and met Annie and Dave and Michelle on the path. Annie flys out to Fiji tomorrow and so we plan to go out tonight and have a few beers! Also on the way one of the members of staff from the hostel offered us a free ride on his sailing boat. Fiona and Neeley accepted and are off sailing around the 'Bay of Islands' now as I write, I declined due to my fear of tiny boats and also I needed another hit of Lemsip! In the evening we went to the "Beach House" bar next to our hostel and had a beer, we sat by the fire and chilled out. Then we just popped into the "PhiPhi" bar to meet Annie and say goodbye and enjoy! Saturday - We are off back to 'Auckland'.