On our way down to Taupo we stopped at the Huka Falls which was really impressive. We also went to Craters of the moon which was really spooky but having had our fill of steam vents and sulphur crystals we went to our hostel and checked in. We had a drive around and then went to 'Pak n Save' - a whole new shopping expereince - a bit like Kwik Save but bigger! We made a cracking stir fry and (after another nice bottle of wine!) we had a early night in preparati...

We opted for the coach again to get us from Paihia down to Rotorua which took nine hours going via Auckland. The first part of the journey was fine but it was an uncomfortable journey down here - we don't think our 'driver' Barrie had actually driven a bus before! Our accomodation was only a five mins walk from the bus station so we where there and checked in really quickly. If you ever go to Rotorua don't believe anyone when they say the smell isn't too bad an...

After a very hairy bus ride (how do they make the roads so steep!) we arrived in Paihia. We were picked up at the bus station and taken to our new home which was fine but it was up the steepest drive in the world! We had a few hours to have a look around Paihia but it only took 10 mins (and it was peeing it down) so went to a flashy bar by the wharf for a bottle of wine and then home for the obligitory pasta supper! We ventured over to Russell the next day and m...

Only a short ferry journey from Auckland (no sea sickness!!) we arrived on Waiheke Island. We hired a car and headed straight for the Stoneyridge Vineyard. We tried a few of their wines then sat in the shade of the vines on the terrace to have lunch. The food was fab, a grazing platter with Oysters, wagu beef, local olives and cheese and lots of other yummy stuff - a great start to the weekend. From there we headed up to our accomodation - Cross Trees Chalet - W...

We've managed to pack loads into our two days in Auckland. We arrived at 5am so when we'd checked into our hostel (yuck!) we had a few hours sleep and then headed into town. We had lunch down by the marina and then went up to the top of the Sky tower. The views were amazing! You can do a bungee jump from the top but it seemed a bit tame (not) so we decided not to do it this time. We then had a wander around Albert Park which is really pretty and a real haven...