So I arrived back in Auckland after just over six weeks of Kiwi Experience travel. Predictably, YHA Taupo rang me to say my towel had arrived as soon as I'd got off the bus.

Anyway, my kiwi trip is coming to an end here soon. But not until I'd met Liz Hogan, who I'd raced back up the North Island to see before she jumped across the water back to Oz. It was good to see someone from "back home" and have a conversation that didn't start with "how long are you travelling for?" etc. We finished the night with some guy taking a photo of us as if we were getting married next to the Sky Tower. So I've at least worked out my marriage pose.

I woke the next morning to the sound of four girls arriving in my dorm at 6am. Later I asked them if they wanted to share car hire for a road trip up north and they seemed keen. Hope that comes through.

And then, after several false starts, I finally met up with Amy Phillips for coffee (with bourbon) and cakes. It was great to finally see her. We were supposed to meet in Christchurch, where she usually lives, but she's been moved to Auckland to use the labs there. I was initially amazed at her strong kiwi accent - she's been living here for five years! We had a few beers and I had to head back to catch the English girls to see if they want to do this road trip...