WOW...so much to write about, so little time left on my internet card...

Since my last blog I have met up with Hannah! I met her as she arrived into Auckland airport at 4am tues morning. We decided not to sleep until the evening and went into Auckland City to explore instead. We made our way to the Sky Tower which was amazing. We paid to get to the very top deck (220m high) and could see for over 50miles; The views were amazing, we enjoyed a glass of red in the revolving cafe and made our way back into the city centre-not a bad way to spend Valentines Day I can assure you!

Wednesday we checked out the Auckland War memorial museum which was intresting. I am especially intrested in the native Mauri's history; Having spoken to many locals, it is nice to see how many Kiwis embrace and acknowledge each others cultural diffrences.

Thursday was an early start as we stepped aboard 'The Kiwi Experiance', starting our tour of the country's North and South islands. The first nights stop was to a hostel in Hot Water Beach. The beach is a popular tourist destination, known for its underground hot springs which filter up through the sand between the high and low tides. The hot water from the sand can be mixed with the cooler sea water to create your very your natural hot tub! As a group, the passengers on the tour bus helped eachother in digging pits in the sands-allowing the hot water the seep up. It really was an amazing sight! Digging the pit was good fun (even though the hot water would often burn my tootsies) and our hard work paid off as we were all able to kick back and enjoy the sunset. The water rising up can be as hot as 65 degrees! I suggested bringing the bubble bath next time...Hannah didn't seem too amused.

I am currently writing from Waitomo, looking forward to visting the glow worm caves tomorrow. Luckily the caves are underground as it is raining hard outside! Unfotunatly we may have no choice but to stay inside at the local pub tonight :(

The picture I have used for this post is from Cathedral Cove where we spent Thursday afternoon. One word to sum up this beach... Paradise!

Regards

Oliver James Kenneth Smith