Sian, Matisse and I drove to a lovely view point high above the city. There was a 360 degree view and a very interesting visitor centre. Unfortunately it wasn't a very nice day and started to rain as we got back to the car. We stopped for coffee and cake then returned home. Huge NZ mussels for dinner with more NZ wine.

Today I caught the bus to Albany on the North shore of Auckland to stay with my friends Sian, Carl and their 12 week old daughter Matisse. All the home comforts and use of their washing machine. I love the fact that at 5pm Sian declared it was wine-a-clock. Another NZ Sav B has to be tested. NZ lamb for dinner. I must say contrary to what I thought there are far more cows in this area of north island than there are sheep.

A day trip along 90 mile beach to the top tip of North Island where the Pacific Ocean meets the Tasman sea, Cape Reinga. The coach picked me up at 7am from the hostel & then collected several other people. It was a race against the tide. So that we could drive the whole length of 90 mile beach we had to make sure we had enough time to reach the end before the tide came in. There are only 2 exit points after the beginning. It was a particularly high tide beca...

It's Mothers Day in NZ today. Also where I'm staying in Paihia they have a 10km ran/ walk going on. As well as a Country music festival. So there are lots of people with cowboy hats going around town and musicians playing in several places down the streets. Then the line dancing starts! Little groups of people dancing in formation and turning. Luckily no one asked me to join in - phew. It's a lovely sunny and hot day so I've decided to go for a walk. I started a...

I left Auckland at lunchtime on Saturday by coach heading up north to Paihia, Bay of Islands. A 4 & half hour journey through fanastic scenery. The road was very winding and up and down. I felt sick most of the way and sat there thinking this may not be the best mode of transport for me. I need to think about hiring a car. By the time I got to the hostel it was dusk, so I dumped my bag in the dormitory and walked onto the beach and watched the sunset. Then I...