Don't know why I've got a photo of a polynesian sunset come up - but never mind. Yes, it's technophobe Stuart here to let you in on our latest adventures. After the marvellous day in Rotorua and the exam results we set off yesterday with Lynne, Jim and Naomi to Waitomo Caves, about 150 km south west of Tauranga. We had arranged to stay a place that is billed as one of the ten most amazing motels in the world. It's called Woodlyn Park and it's the dream-child of ...

Hello everyone! We haven't blogged in a few days as we've not had much to say, but now we've got so much to say we might be here forever! Don't panic, we won't :) So, on Tuesday, I went to school with Lydia and Dad went with Jim to climb Mount Maunganui. I didn't go in until morning break because i was still a bit tired from the hot pools the night before, so Dad and Jim dropped me off at about 11 on their way. So when i got there, Lydia met me and took me into ...

Hello fellow-Poms, Am up at the crack of breakfast-time to update you on our exciting adventures. Actually we haven't done anything particularly special but have still had lots of laughs. Naomi and Lydia continue to act as if they are emotionally and physically joined at the hip and are having a great time. Jim and I have been on a couple of walks around the estuary and today are planning an ascent of the north face of Mt Maunganui, followed by a coffee shop. T...

Greetings folks - Stuart here, back in Tauranga after an adventurous week in the South. I've just awoken after a good night's sleep in a proper bed - and thought I'd better let you know I was safely back. One thing from the last blog - I forgot to say that the train journey across the Alps proved not too be monster-expensive after all. Not only did they secure me the last ticket on the train, but they gave me the internet price of NZ$74 as well (about 30 quid). ...

Well, folks - I made it back to the east coast! I found the only way of getting back and was dead jammy/blessed to make it - as you will see. I woke at Franz Josef Glacier village to a layer of snow on the ground, for only the second time in five years, apparently. The bus driver, whom I had met in the pub where I had a pizza last night (and was staying at Cat & Mouse Land also), was confident we would get to Greymouth OK - "as long as we get through He...