We set off from Waitomo at 9am on the 28th, took a short walk through Ruakuri Reserve and headed for Rotorua. Rotorua is well known for its geothermic activity (where it gets its name Rotten-Rua, due to the smell of sulphur) and large population of Maoris. As soon as I checked in I met Keighley and Stacey. It was great to see them both. We took a walk through the redwood forest, drove to the Blue and Green lakes and then to Okere Falls. Then off to Stacey's pare...

The bus set off around 7:30am. We went to Waihi-Karangahake scenic reserve for a walk through tunnels and explore the gorge. Then, once in Waitomo it was time for backwater rafting in underground caves. We put on cold, wet wetsuits and helmets and descended into the caves for around 1 1/2 hours. The water was around 10 degrees (not too great when I'd woken up with a cold that morning). It was good fun, we jumped off small waterfalls, bobbed along on back rings a...

Onto the Kiwi Experience Bus nice and early. A bus of 31 18-31 year olds on the way to Hot Water Beach on the East coast of the north island. En route we stopped off at Mercury Bay and walked down to Cathedral Cove, where apparently scenes from Lord of the Rings were shot. We arrived in Hot Water Beach by afternoon and sat around outside getting to know one another, along with a BBQ. It was so cold! As low tide wasn't until 9pm we walked down to the beach around...

I was relieved to arrive in Auckland after the plane had been delayed. As I arrived so late I couldn't get the bus into the city centre, instead Keighley and Sarah surprised me and met me at the airport! Monday was an early start. We took the ferry from Devonport (north Auckland) to Rangitoto, a dormant volcano near the city for a hike up and down it. The round trip took just under 3 hours, with a short break at the top to take in the amazing views. Having...