Woah, what a weeks it's been!!!! Here are the highlights........

Our bus was due to leave Paihia in the Bay of Islands at 3pm last Thursday but we managed to hitch a lift with our new friends Scott and Katie who had hired a car as they were leaving ealy morning. Severe hangover in tow we made our way down to Auckland stopping only for breakfast and to see a beautiful waterfall. We arrived in Auckland late afternoon and spent the rest of the evening wandering the city and going to the cinema. Our next leg took us to Mercury Bay or Whitianga (it's Maori name). On the way we visited Cathedal Cove a lovely little beach with many rock formations caused by volcanic activity. Apparently some of the areas we have visited are well overdue for an eruption but we are trying to ignore this fact!

We arrived in Mercury Bay early evening and had a nice evening getting to know the group we were travelling with.The hostel was like being at home, it was lovely. The owner was like a proper Mum figure and cooked us all bolognese, making sure we'd all 'had enough'. Jon and I were upgraded to a double room because the dorms were full, what a treat! It even had a snuggly blanket like home, which was good as it was pretty cold. Next morning we left for Rotorua which was brilliant. The first night we went to a Moari village to experience their culture and way of life. We were told many stories and saw a display of traditional song, games and dance including the haka, which literally made our hairs stand on end! The night ended with a Moari feast cooked in a hangi - an underground oven formed by heating rocks on the fire for 4 hours and then burying the rocks and food in a hole in the ground. It was definitely the most delicious meal we have had since we left home and needless to say we came away stuffed!!!

Rotorua is one of only a few geothermal sites on earth and the earths crust is said to be only about 1.5 miles thick. The average across the globe is about 16 miles if I remember rightly. As such, all over Rotorua hot springs and thermal pools are aplenty. Next day we visited Te Puia, which is New Zealands most well known thermal area. We saw geysers and mudpools which was something really unique. To see steam shooting from the groung and to sit on steps only to find them roasting hot from activity below the ground was pretty special. We also saw New Zealand's native Kiwi birds, another Moari village and Jon learnt to do the haka - sorry no girls allowed!! All in all a brilliant place to visit and one we will certainly remember.

Next stop Waitomo. On the way we stopped to do luging, which is basically downhill go karting! We got a cable car to the top of a mountain and then whizzed about halfway down at break neck speeds, attempting at all times not to crash into anyone or anthing - not always possible. Katie and I had a little crash in which I nearly lost my finger, but hey I guess that's all par for the course!

Ok so Waitomo, well as soon as we got there we went into the caves - the most famous thing in Waitomo so we thought not to be missed. Not only did we go caving but we opted for the Abyss trip! Should have known better really!!! We abseiled 40 metres into a cave and spent two hours climbing waterfalls, floating on lakes in rubber rings, doing a fly wire and generally being freezing cold and soaking wet all in the pitch black!!! Pretty scary but well worth it for the sights we saw and especially the glow worms!!After soup to warm us up we were all thoroughly exhausted and went back to the hostel to bed. The next morning was a lazy one spent reading and writing post cards in the blazing sunshine. Next stop: Taupo.

Well we all knew what we were going to do when we arrived in Taupo but decided it best not to say too much, especially to our parents for fear of sending them into a quivering wreck! We had a brief stop at the hostel before heading off to the AIRPORT!!!!! Laving Taupo as soon as we got ther? Nope. Certainly not. Taking a small plane 15,000 feet up and then jumping out of it. EXACTLY! We were both surprisingly calmon the way up. I started to get butterflies when Jon disappeared out of the plane. This was absolutley the most amazing thing we have ever done. We freefell for just over a minute, which flew by - excuse the pun! You could see the curve of the earth, Mount Doom (Lord of the Rings) and Lake Taupo, not to mention miles and miles of beautiful countryside!! Once the shute was pulled it was a chance relax and put your cheeks right back where thre they should be! The sights were absolutely amazing. We did a few acrobatics and then touched the ground. The moment we did we wanted to do it all again, it just went so quick. If money was no object I would do a skydive ay every possible chance! Fortunately for my mother's nerves the budget does not permit this!!

Last night we spent the evening celebrating the days achievements with our new friends. Almost every single one had done a skydive that day so we were all on a hig and still are. Can't quite believe we actually jumped out of a plane and FREEFELL for 10,000 feet, parachuting another 5,000! Amazing a highly recommended! And for Mum's benefit not a scratch in sight.

A spare day here in Taupo today so we are off for a wander soon. Onto River Valley tomorrow. Can totally see why everyone raves about New Zealand, we love it.

Look out for more fun and adventures in the next episode of Jon and Jemeela go crazy down under!!! Love and kisses xxxxxx

PS Maryanne, thanks so much for updating Grandma, glad she can see what we're up to. Please tell her my liver functioning is perfect!! Can you send me your email address as I can't seem to find it xxxx