Off through the central plateau today and arriving into Taupo. There were quite a few activities available to us here but we thought we would save some money for the South Island. It turns out a normal trip to the interent cafe could turn into a money making event! While sending some emails myself and ian are approached by a Chinese man asking for help, cash in hand, to remove some vinyl from the floor of a Noodle Box to be! It was hard back crunching work and i...

Up at eh crack of dawn today and off to Waitomo, the caving capital of New Zealand! First stop for the day was the cultural centre again where we learnt the Haka! It was kinda cool but we didn't learn it properly as we didn't have time! After 15 minutes worth of lessons we had to perform to all the women on the bus whilst they performed for us! The Haka actually depicts a story of a warrior but I can't be bothered to explain it so you will either have to take my ...

From Mecury bay it was off to Rotorua, the cultural centre of New Zealand, also home to the largest number of Maori's. The day started with a quick visit to the culturual centre where we learnt a bit about they're culture and how they treated certain ailments and what not, interesting stuff. There was also a quiz based on how much we were paying attention. Needless to say I didn't win any thing in that. The day we spent making the most of the culture on offer. W...

After a brief stay in Auckland over night it was off on the bus again to a place called Mecury Bay. The people on our bus are the people that we are going to be spending the next couple of weeks with, it looks like a good crowd, but looks can be deceiving! Our driver is called Mar, which is short for Maramar, or however it is spelt! We drove up to the top of the mountain which gives clear views over the city of Auckland. It would have been spectacular had it not...

Right we are currently on the Kiwi Experience doing the 'Whole Kit and Caboodle' basically the whole of NZ bar a couple of small sections. First stop was the Bay of Islands, also known as Paihia. Its a really beautiful area made up of well over 100 different islands most of which you are not allowed on because of the Maori heritage. First day was spent on the bus getting there and then having a BBQ so everyone could get to know one another. It was a really fun g...