We caught the bus up to Auckland from Waitomo, getting to do quite a lot of sightseeing of the city on the way as we were stuck in a traffic jam for ages on the way in to town. We stayed at the YHA here which isn't particularly nice and is at the top of a very very steep hill (it doesn't mention anything about that on their website!!). So after struggling with heavy bags up to the hostel we didn't do much that evening. Our first day here we went shopping for all the bits and pieces we need to take to Fiji with us and had a wander around the town centre. We also took a walk down to the harbour front and had a look at all the new expensive apartments they've just completed on the waterfront. That evening we went to the cinema to watch Pirate of the Caribbean 3 in Sky City cinemas.

The following morning we had a bit of a lie in and then got the ferry across to Devonport. Here we did a bit of a hike up to the top of Mount Victoria and got great views of the city's skyline. It was a very tiring walk due to the gale force winds which nearly blew you off the top once you eventually reached it! We walked through Devonport and along Cheltenham Beach. Devonport is a really nice area with loads of cafes and bookshops, very touristly but a contrast to the town centre as its quite quiet.

Yesterday evening we had to repack our bags ready for the flight to Fiji and try to sort out elusive accommodation in Fiji (its peak season now, and everywhere is booked up!) Anyway after numerous emails we are now sorted out for Fiji and the Cook Islands and are looking forward to some sunny days again!

Today was our last day in New Zealand. We started the day with a trip up the Sky Tower, Auckland's tallest building (its double the size of the next tallest in the city). We went up to the Main Observation Level which is 186m above the ground and then on up again to the SkyDeck Viewing Platform which is 220m up. From here you can get amazing 360 degree views of the city, and also a good view down through the glass panels on the floor! Afterwards we had cake and a drink in the Sky Lounge before coming back down to the ground to watch a guy do the SkyJump. The SkyJump is where you can jump off the top deck of the building attached by a wire which guides you down. You're supposed to travel really fast but it looks a bit rubbish when you actually watch someone do it - they don't go very fast at all!

This afternoon we had a few hours to kill before we get the bus to the airport so we went back to the cinema and watched a really awful film as there was nothing else on, oh well at least it was warm in there! Our flight to Fiji is early tomorrow morning so we're spending the night at the airport again to save a few pennies!

Overall we've both had an awesome time here in New Zealand and done some quality activities. Can't believe we've got as far through our travels as this already, time's going so quickly now! Anyway off to the warm and tropical islands of Fiji tomorrow - really excited, feels like I'm going on holiday!