Day 1 - Auckland

After a short flight from Sydney we started our descent towards Auckland. It was a sunny day and as we passed though the clouds we had our first glimpse of New Zealand and it was beautiful. Everything was so green and the sea was so blue. We easily found the airport bus that would take us into Auckland and arrived at our hostel just before sunset. We dropped our bags off at the hostel before we ventured out to explore the city. The first thing we noticed was how busy it was, lots of people were out and about going out for dinner or drinks. We walked around the city for an hour before we settled down for dinner at a Mexican place. The prices were much more reasonable than in Oz so that was a bonus too. After dinner we went back to the hostel and had an early night.

Day 2 - Auckland/ Rangitoto Island

Our alarm was set for seven as we were going to be on the nine o'clock boat to Rangitoto Island. But that didn't happen, as we snoozed the alarm and went straight back to sleep. Instead we got up at nine, went to the shop and got some food for a picnic, and then went for the twelve o'clock boat. It was a beautiful day and just perfect for walking. Rangitoto Island is a volcanic island twenty minutes outside of Auckland. There's no drinking water, shops or transport on the island so you are pretty basic when you get there.We decided to do the volcanic explorer walk and then walk up to the summit before walking back down for the four o'clock boat. Although the air temperature was not that hot, the sun reflected off the volcanic stone and made it pretty toasty. We walked for about an hour and a half before we decided to stop for lunch. We decided to check out the bay and we were so happy we did as the water was lovely and we decided to go for a swim. It was nice and cooling after the walk. We dried off and had our lunch before continued up the hill to the summit. When we reached the top we had beautiful views over Auckland and the islands and we were already starting to love New Zealand. This is what travelling was all about. After a great day out we went back to the hostel, had some dinner and then watched a film. Just a note on the hostel, we stayed at x-base and it was pretty filthy compared to other hostels we had stayed in. The kitchen was especially bad and it didn't really feel that nice to eat in there.

Day 3 - Auckland/Orewa Beach

We got up and ready to go and collect the camper that would be our home for the next month. We had checked the timetable for the bus and knew which one to get and where from. However, the bus stop board displayed the bus was delayed so we were sat down when the bus swished passed us. Great! The next bus was in an hour. So after a Starbucks coffee to waste some time, we were finally on our way to collect the van. We had booked with Backpacker campervans and when we arrived we realised that they are part of a big company that own a huge fleet of vans (Backpacker being the least expensive and therefore renting the oldest vans). Anyway, the check in process took a while and it was very different from Oz. When we finally got our van we didn't get long to check it over before they wanted us to be on our way. Martin turned the key and the petrol was nearly empty (although the paperwork said it was full) so we had to go back and get them to fill up. We also had to ask them to check the water etc as it seemed like the person who had checked the van had not been very thorough. We were given a bottle of wine for having to wait around so at least that was something, but not exactly great. With all the waiting around we only had an hour or so before we were picking June and Lesley up from the airport. So we headed to countdown and did a big shop before we collected two jet lagged ladies from the terminal. We decided to go to a campsitein Orewa for the night as we wanted to ease them gently into camping life.

Day 4 - Goat Island Marine reserve

Martin and I got up and went for a walk down the beach before breakfast. It was a lovely day again and it was great to wake up and be a stone throw away from the beach. After breakfast we started our journey north towards the Bay of Islands. On our way, we stopped at Goat Island Marine reserve to have a look around. Martin took about two minutes before he was in the water exploring what was underneath. The water was pretty clear so even from the cliffs we could see the fish below. I decided to join Martin but went and hired a snorkel and mask for us both so we could enjoy it better. We saw quite a few different fish and it was great to be in the water. We stayed out for forty minutes before we went back to the van to have some lunch in the sun.

Time had passed quickly and we decided to find a camp before travelling further north the next day. We stayed at a lovely Department of Conservation campsite which didn't cost much but was right by the sea.We were both feeling our love for New Zealand grow.

Day 5 - Bay of Island

We drove further north to a town called Paihiawhere most of the tours depart from. We were hoping to go diving but it seemed like the dive site we wanted to dive was further south so we decided to look for a swim with dolphin tour instead. The tour was leaving eight o'clock the following day so after a coffee we moved to a campsite. The camp was close to a river with views over a waterfall. The weather was gorgeous so we changed into our swim gear and lazed by the pool for the afternoon.

Day 6 - Dolphin tour

We arrived at the boat for eight o'clock and we were given an introduction to what the tour would involve. They explained they were going to try and locate a pod of dolphins and then we were going to be allowed to get in after they had assessed their behaviour. Fortunately, it didn't take too long to locate the dolphins and Martin left to get changed. The tour guide had stressed how important it was that you were a good swimmer as the swell was over two meters, so Marie decided to watch the first time and then decide. The dolphins were swimming and jumping right by the boat and the captain slowed down to let the swimmers off. Martin and three others went into the water first. The guide shouted, quick swim that way! Martin shot off and managed to get up close to the dolphins. He was swimming as fast as he could and managed to keep up with the pod for a few minutes and at one point he had eight dolphins swimming or jumping close to him all within reach.Then Martin tired and the dolphins didn't, so they swam off and quickly disappeared. After about ten minutes the swimmers returned to the boat and the captain followed the dolphins to try and allow the swimmers another chance to jump in with them.After a little while the captain slowed the boat down as he felt the pod were staying in the area as well.However by this time another, as they called it, friendly competition boat had arrived and with both their boat full of swimmers and our boat full of swimmers all getting into the water at around the same time, it didn't take very long for the dolphins to see sense and quickly swim off.Martin saw one dolphin as heshe quickly swam on by.

So, it was back to the boat and the captain headed off again in pursuit.We were told at the beginning that the boat was licenced to do 3 drops with the swimmers, so we knew this was the last chance.However, the captain then got news from another boat some way out that 2 whales had been spotted and after a quick vote, it was decided that we would head out and try to catch a glimpse but with the knowledge that the 3rd dolphin swim wasn't going to happen.We headed out and with everyone watching and searching, it came as a disappointment to everyone that no whales had been spotted.After a tour of a number of the islands where the rich and famous had some amazing property, we docked at the largest island for a quick coffee before heading back to the docks.

We decided to go over to a DOC campsite for the evening which allowed us a scenic drive.It started with a great gravel road that seemed to get more narrow as we went and with the big camper, we were all hoping that another car didn't come the other way!The scenic drive took some time but it did offer us some great views of the coast line and as we arrived at the DOC site, we were pleased to have decided to come here.The site was in a bay of the sea and there was a beach.With the weather being so nice, it was a nice evening sitting out.

Day 7 - A day of moving with trees

After speaking to the ranger of site the night before, we had learned of a walking track that started at the DOC site and went through the forest and across to and the tracked the coastline.It was a 2.5 hour walk, so Marie and Martin decided this was a good way to start the day and best done first thing.So up and walking by 7am.The walk was really good and it showed some great bays and views of the coastline.It did however have an incredible amount of steps and at times, they seemed never ending.At the end of the walk, it may only be 9am but we were so hot, it was straight into the sea for a swim and cooling.

We then plotted the course for the drive across the island to see the famous Kauri trees in the National Park.The trees are famed for their size and there were 2 that were the must sees, one which had a girth of 13 metres and a height of around 70 metres and the a smaller in height one but with a girth of over 15 metres.It took a very long time and it pretty much rained the entire time.When we arrived, we all got out the rain gear and headed in to see the trees.Though the trees are huge and it was cool to see them, based upon the time spent on getting there, they didn't make us feel so happy inside that we'd come but there you go.

After the trees we drove further south towards Auckland.Marie and Martin planned a surprise stop and with June and Lesley certain that they weren't going to like whatever it was, they quickly changed their tune when we turned into a natural pools centre, with some 10 pools ranging from 30C to 48C.We managed to check into a campsite behind the centre and enjoyed some time warming and relaxing in the pools.

Day 8 - Waiheke Island

After we had been to Rangitoto, we decided that we should all head out to the Waiheke island which was the biggest island around Auckland and one with plenty going on.Having driven to Devonport and boarded the boat, we arrived on the island and headed over to a large beach.With the weather being so nice, it was the perfect place to spend a bit of time.Mum and Lesley decided to take a walk along the beach and they came back with some story, something about finding a ball, joining a group of lads for a beer and seeing a willy but they can tell you the details!!!

We decided to go into one of the local restaurants for some food and it was delicious, even the local dog enjoyed the lamb shank bone from Martin after he'd finished eating the meat!We headed back the way we came and decided to drive past Auckland and a little further south before parking up and were greeted by an amazing, bright orange sky as we crossed the Auckland bridge and across the city.We were simply stunned by it.

Day 9 - HamiltonWaitomo

We got up and travelled further down the 1 road on route to Rotarua via the Waitomo caves but decided to stop in Hamilton for a break and to have a look round the gardens, which were highly rated.The gardens consisted of a number of different types, including a British, Chinese, Italian, Indian, American and Japanese.They were all very well pretty and in the sun, it was pleasant to walk round them.We took a walk over to the pumpkin competition park, which had a village feel to it and with the biggest one weighing over 200kgs, it was light humour.We decided to take the opportunity to have a picnic lunch whilst we were in such nice gardens before starting the journey to the Waitomo caves.

Arriving at the Waitomo caves, we stayed in the van whilst June and Lesley headed in.The caves are famed for the glow worms but since we'd seen these in Tasmania and had seen a lot of stalactites and stalagmites in both Tasmania and Australia caves, we opted out but the reports back were that they were really good.

After the caves we continued on towards Rotorura but parked up in a DOC site just outside which was next to a beautiful lake and surrounding mountains.These DOC sites were turning out not only to be cheap places to stay but were providing some beautiful spots to sleep by.

Day 10 - Rotorua

After breakfast we headed into Rotorua and checked into a campsite.It was great to be near enough to the town to be able to walk into it and not have to drive so much.After a quick wander round and a visit to the information desk, we planned our time and drove just out of town to Hells Gate, which is where you find the mud pools. We didn't really know what to expect when we got there but the lady explained that you walk around the mud/sulphur pools first and then get into one at the end. We did the walk which took about 30 minutes and we saw some bubbling mud ranging from white to black in colour. The temperature of the mud and sulphur pools ranged between 36 and 150 degree. It was like walking on a different planet as everything looked out of this world. When we got to the end of our walk the lady showed us around the facilities and where to get changed. They had filled up bath tubs with mud from the mud pools and they gave us one big enough for four people so we all could get in. The mud was lovely and warm. After twenty minutes of face and body masks we moved into the sulphur pool. It was a lot warmer but still very pleasant. It did smell a lot, but by this time we had pretty much got used to it and probably smelt exactly like sulphur. When the time was up we drove back to the campsite and had a nice BBQ.

Day 11 - Rotorua

We got up early to go and see the erupting geyser that was located thirty minutes from town. We didn't quite know how it could erupt at ten o'clock on the dot every day, but it was all explained when the man put a bar of soap in the geyser and it erupted! It would have been more spectacular to see if it had been natural as it felt more like a lab experiment than anything else. Afterwards we did an hour's walk around the geysers and the highlight was the big green pool of sulphur bubbling away. We all decided that we had enough of geysers after this and if there were any more on offer we would not go.

We drove back into town and Martin and I went for a walk to get a new memory card for the camera. When we got back we only had an hour to get ready before we were being picked up and taken to the Maori evening we had booked.

We got to the venue about an hour after we were picked up as we seemed to do a lap around town several times picking people up. Our bus driver was a good laugh and set the scene for the evening, by telling stories, singing songs and electing a chief that would introduce our coach to the tribe.When we walked into the village we were told not to laugh or pull faces at the warriors when they came out to try and scare us. We were told they traditionally did this to try and intimidate other tribes. We all agreed afterwards that they looked pretty scary.

When we were allowed into the village they had set up several wooden huts where they demonstrated how the Mauri people used to live and make weapons. After this we were taken to see the Hangi which is where they cook the food underground using the volcanic heat. When we had all smelt the food that we were going to eat, we moved into the theatre where they danced, did the haka and sang for us. By the time the show had finished out bellies were rumbling so we headed up to the dining room for some food. And we weren't disappointed because the food was amazing. I obviously didn't have the meat but Martin said it tasted great.

They finished the evening with some more singing and another Haka which I became a fan of. We were taken back to the campsite by the same bus driver and he asked us all to sing songs from our home countries. If we failed to sing he would make something up. We even went round a round about three times just because he fancied it. Pretty mad but it ended a really good evening.

Day 12 - Hobbiton and Bay of Plenty

Today it was time to leave Rotorura and head to the Bay of Plenty. On the way we took a little detour and went to see Hobbiton which is the Hobbit land set from the Lord of the Rings. It was great to see and amazing how it was all built etc. The tour lasted just over an hour and was well worth it.The drive to the Bay of plenty took about an hour and when we got there we didn't really know what to do. We knew we wanted to go for a walk, which we had read about, but it was too late in the day to start that. So in the end we drove out to a campsite by the beach and stayed there for the evening. The weather turned pretty quickly so the blue sky turned grey and overcast, so we were sent to the camper to shelter for the evening.

Day 13 - Bay of Plenty

It was time for some exercise and so some walking barefoot along the beach was the perfect start to the day. Though may be increase it some more with some running…All went well until we came back and Marie found two big blisters on here big toes.So that was that really, the planned walk was out as she was hobbling round.We ended up going to the beach, which was good but the sea was like being back in Australia - good for surfing, which was disappointing after what we'd been getting used to in the Bay of Islands etc..

Later in the day, we made the decision to move south.We had planned to have one big driving day but as the Bay of Plenty hadn't lived quite up to what we had hoped for, we decided to get a few hours in to break the journey to Wellington.We went to a basic DOC site, which was considerably like some rest areas in Australia but there were a number of others there which always makes it better.

Day 14 - Wellington

So we got up and got on our way early (7am leave - like going for the train to work!).We arrived in Wellington just after midday.The van may be slow, especially on the hills but at least the scenery is goodand forever changing.We booked into a hotel with some camper spaces at the back but were the closest to the docks for the next morning and quickly washed and changed before getting the bus into town.

We started by having a look round the old town.In AusNZ old is 200 years though as it still seems weird that this is only when it was discovered.We wandered further along to the city centre where we then took the famous red wellington tram up the hill to the botanical gardens.The weather was lovely again, so we ambled round the gardens for a while, taking in all their summer plants dying off (still weird that it is autumn) before grabbing the tram back down to the centre.After all that ambling it was time to get a beer, so we headed to the marina type area and sat enjoying the sun and cold beer!!We then headed over to Cuba Street where we'd heard there was lots going on and we weren't disappointed.It was like the NZ version of Camden.After a wander round and a couple of beers later with some people watching, it was time for some dinner and tonight was a crazy night where we ate out!!We'd seen this Turkish restaurant as we wandered round, with some good veggie options, so we headed there and they had the great letters on the - BYO (bring your own for anyone unfamiliar).We went in and the place turned out to be huge.The manager told us that we'd have to wait half an hour for a table but the food looked good and Lesley managed to persuade the guy to provide us with a bottle of wine to make the half hour more interesting.

So we got a table and the food was great.They even had a belly dancer going round, which was pretty amusing.The manager threatened to get Martin up but he knew better, on a belly competition, Martin would always win!!It was a really good evening and we went home a little wonky!