hello from NZ!

Well, we've been here almost a week now, and time is flying as there's so much to do! We booked a "magic bus" which will take us around both islands and u just hop on and off wherever u like so it's not too structured which is good. On Monday we visited Rotorua where we went to a Maori village and saw traditional songs and dances, including the haka! They all had the clothing and tatoos on their faces! After we had a hugggggeeeee feast cooked their way. Put it this way, it was an all u can eat buffet and u cud tell who the backpackers were!!! Us included!!!

We have also seen geothermal pools and mud pools, along with erupting volanoe-type things (not really sure?!) We went on a hike in Waitomo and ended up having to hike with a woman who latched onto us and told us her life story in detail for hours...riveting stuff...not! We then moved on to Lake Taupo where we did a SKYDIVE!!! Wow, it was amazing. We donned mechanic-type suits (very attractive) and crushed into a plane. There was 6 of us, all scared to death in the plane. Very odd feeling jumping out/being pushed out of a plane and free falling for 45seconds but it was worth it! We glided down to land looking over the lake and mountains during sunset...not bad eh!? No broken bones...however....

earlier that day we did a "canyon swing" at a place called Rock and Ropes. You basically climb a huuuge pole and jump off attatched to a harness..and swing! We both cricked our necks something chronic and are now slightly paralysed...only joking! They do hurt but we shall soldier on! Megs was stupid/brave enough to do the Mount Doom trek from Lord of the Rings. It was an 18.5km trek up mountains etc...pretty hard going but I managed and it felt good to say I have climbed and seen Mount Doom!

Anyways, best go, thanks for the messages

love to each and everyone of u x x x x x x x x x :)