Hello everyone!

It's been an interesting few weeks since last blog. Main events including the death of our campervan; the 'Californian Rattle Snake', tattoos and generally being hobo's!

It all started well as we headed off north to visit the Cape Reinga and marvel at the meeting of the Tasman Sea and the Pacific Ocean, which was beautiful. We then drove to 90 Mile Beach for a surf and our first experience of sandboarding. Again good days all round. The last leg of our tour north included a stop at the world famous fish n chip shop at Maungonaui as well as a day kayaking in the Bay of islands, which is stunning.

However, just 50km from home (Ollies house) we discovered the snake was overheating and within seconds copious amounts of smoke was exiting via the engine (which is conveniently positioned under my seat!). 1 hour later after a few prayers, we were rescued by the AA (at a price of $180!!!) and home safe.

The following day we were told by mechanics that there was a crack in the head and it could last anything from 10km to 10,000km (helpful, eh?). Being on a budget we payed to make it roadworthy and continued with our travels. Only a few days later to discover the dream was over and the snake had expired. RIP my friend.

Since then we have sold the snake for spare parts to a mechanic and made a little bit of money back, which has been put towards renting a car for our last few weeks traveling the south island. Not the most comfortable sleep i've ever had but every night gets a little bit easier!

Having left Auckland on friday we have been to Gisborne and been one of the first people in the world to see the sun come up. Watched the super 14's at the Westpac stadium in Wellington (Hurricanes 13, Sharks 13) and explored the National Te Papa Museum for some Maori heritage. Been whale and seal watching at Kaikoura, witnessed the beautiful fiords at Marlborough Sounds and strolled around the garden city that is Christchurch. Oh and also got a tattoo. Hehe.

Hope your all good at home (or wherever you are) and i'm extremely jealous for all of u who have experienced snow back in England.

For anyone who is interested I'll be flying back to snowy England on July 11th so no rushing to come pick me up ok!

Peace out X