Hey people!

After a few goodbyes and several days of partying I finally departed Melbourne and the land down under (for now!). I was really sad to say bye to so many good friends and a city which I have grown to love because of its culture and lifestyle but was also excited about moving on and exploring the next country on my trip (8th one this trip).

After a pretty standard flight I landed in Auckland and was met by my old friend Pania, a Maori lady who I met in the UK as a Mencap volunteer. Was great to see her and have been staying with her and her family, Steven and Selina, for the past couple of days. For those who don't know Pania, she is an amazing cook so you can imagine I am in heaven!! ha ha!!

Auckland is a lovely city, fairly spread out and surrounded by volcanoes which make the scenery gorgeous. Watched the All Blacks (on tv) smash the French and then got the dissapointing news that England had lost to Argentina. If that wasn't bad enough, Wales, Scotland and Ireland all won their matches although South Africa did get smashed by Italy!!

Anyway we went for a drive to Mt Eden and saw Eden Park (just round the corner from Pania's!), had 'fush and chups' looking out across the water to Mt Rangitano which is currently dormant but experts say it may erupt in the next 50 years!

Today I've been exploring Auckland city, including all the botique craft shops which Mum would love! I also took a trip up the SkyTower to see views of the city, and saw some guy doing the jump off it - scary!! puts me off bungy jumping!

Have been taking it pretty easy on the partying front since Melbourne but I am sure that will change when i get down South! Tomorrow I fly to Christchurch (in NZ obviously, I'm not gonna be home yet!!) and start my tour round the south island including the Transalpine train, the glaciers, Queenstown and of course the Cadbury's Chocolate factory!! hee hee!!

Will try and update this more regularly!! miss you all! liz xx