Sorry for the delay, NZ's internet access is quite poor.

Anyways, we landed in Auckland after our 11hr flight from Shanghai and to pick up our campervan which is now our new best friend! We drove to our friends Peter and Kate's for a hot shower and some help in planning our trip.

We started by going north to Northland (funily enough) and visited Paihia & Russell in the Bay of Islands we then came back down the west coast visiting Hokianga natural harbour which even for a bloke is the most beautiful place ive ever been! (look at the pics). We then stopped off at waipoua forest to see Tanemahuta a 2000 year old Kauri tree.

We travelled back through Auckland and made our way to Rotorua which is the beginning of the volcanic region. On the way we stopped for lunch at Matamata which is where they filmed 'Hobbiton' Frodo's home in Lord of the Rings. In Rotorua which sits in the crator of a live volcano we checked out the boiling mud pools and laid around in the natural volcanic springs.

Then we headed south to lake Taupo and went to Huka Falls where we boarded the hoverjet which shoots up and down the rapids doing 360 turns etc, it was awesome. Then we continued south to Tongariro national park (more volcanoes) and went on a few mountain treks one being (Mt Ngauruhoe) Mt Doom another Lord of the Rings landmark.

Finally we went south to wellington to catch our ferry to the south island, wellington is modern little city but seems to small to be a capital.

Overall living in a campervan has been so much fun but were sure the novelty will where off. The only problem we've had is leaving a light on and running down the battery ! but luckily the local policeman was on hand for a jump start!

The sights of NZ are simply breath-taking! hopefully the south island will be just as good!