Kia Ora Amigos!

In New Zealand at the mo but gonna give u little re-run of our last couple of weeks in Oz cos I know u wanna hear all about it!

So I left u at Airlie Beach last, where we'd just returned from the Whitsundays.

Next stop- Magnetic Island. The island that Australia claims has more days of sunshine per year than anywhere else in Oz. Not for us! We arrived to fairly dull weather, no rain but no sun either. The following day was not much better so we decided to make the most of it and get drunk (just kidding!). We hired a 'Moke'-a crazy little topless car, and had a cruise around the island. On our first stop we encountered a snake, numerous kangaroos and lots of lizards. Still waiting to see a croc in the wild. Had a nice walk along the beach and climbed some rocks (as u do). We then climbed a large mountain for some fantastic views of the ocean. Not a bad day at all.

Our final destination in Australia was supposed to be Cairns however due to severe flooding in the North East, the second largest river in Oz, the River Tully, had burst its banks leading to a complete road block to the north. Having driven 4 hours to find this out we turned back and headed to Townsville for the night. Townsville had been rumored to be one of the most boring places to be in the whole of Australia, yet we found plenty to keep us occupied.

First things first we found a decent gym and had a much needed workout after the last few weeks living on Goon and Fish n Chips. We then found a cinema to watch the highly anticipated new Rambo film. Highly recommended to all my Sly Stallone fans out there. Not cheesy at all! The highlight of Townsville for me personally had to be the free evening meal at Malones tho. Crumbed steak and chips-what else do u need?

A couple of days later the weather bucked up and we finally made it to Cairns via a Crocodile Farm! This place was sweet as (meaning very cool!). I got to hold snakes, baby crocs and was introduced to 'Tank'-one of the biggest crocs in Oz! Crikers - what a monster. Also got to feed some baby kangaroos who were very cute and sore my first Kapawara (don't hold me to that spelling Becky!). That's a huge bird who is very dangerous when approached and makes some of the funniest noises u'll ever here out of an animal (or human).

Cairns was lovely but very hot. Not good for a keen sweater like myself. Spent most of our time here just chillin at the lagoon (as Cairns has no beach!) and drinking at the 'Woolshed'. The woolshed is a very very cheesy bar that reminded me of Tenerife (without the Sangria) yet did offer very cheap Burritos and permanent Happy Hour. On our last night in Cairns we went out for a romantic meal to commiserate our time in Oz and somehow ended up in a gay bar! As it was just coming to the end of Mardi Gras we got dragged into a very lively, yet swanky bar full of raving gay loonies. On the plus side, after flashing the guns we both secured free shots for the evening. Great end to Australia all in all.

The last week and a half we've been lucky enough to find residence at our dear friend Ollies house in Auckland, New Zealand. Here we have been mainly swimming; eating huge burgers with gods know what inside, buying and restoring a campervan and having tattoos designed for us. Check out the pics of our bad-ass campervan, aptly named "The Californian Rattle Snake" - as it rattles constantly!

Planning to travel up North to the "Bay of Islands' tomorrow for a few days before being branded with a Maori tattoo next week, then heading to the South Island.

Hope u r all well. Keep me posted with all ur news from home.

Chow 4 now

Matt X

PS. A big happy birthday goes out to my dear Nan who despite recent events with Televisions and stairs is still going strong. Love u Nan X

And a big shout out to my Mum, who by the sounds of it is doing a grand job of looking after everyone as well as running a new house and a new job! Seems weird to have everyone else-not just me causing you excess stress, hehe X

Oh and my gorgeous girlfriend Rebecca who is still managing to keep it together whilst handing over an old job, learning a new job, decorating a house and putting up with a pain in the ass boyfriend who is tens of thousands of miles away! I miss u baby X