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...

Two weeks in Fiji has been absolute bliss. It's true what they say about "Fiji Time", as the whole time I was there time literally didn't matter, unless of course it was food time! We landed in Fiji at 4:30am and arrived at our Hostel in Nadi by around 6am. As our beds weren't ready we had to wait until after 10am to check in. It wasn't so bad, as we had a great view, due to the hostel being right on the beach. Once we'd checked in we spent the rest of the...

LA has been a great "stop over" on the way to Fiji. It's been a jam packed few days with plenty of walking and totally worth it. After a long 11 hour flight, with little sleep the night before (around 2hrs) and lack of sleep on the plane I was exhausted, but having arrived at 1pm LA time I needed to stay up! After a long bus ride we reached the hostel in Santa Monica, checked in and relaxed. By 8pm (2am UK time) I crashed and burned! Still adjusting to the time...