Leaving the magnificent South Island behind us we headed … well North. Our first stop was Tongarino National Park for a hike across Mount Doom. Now a few years ago not many people had heard of New Zealand, then a round bearded chap rocked up with some hobbits and filmed the 'Lord of the Rings' trilogy here. As a result you, like Frodo and Sam, can walk up and round the volcano that actually was and I guess still is the famous Mount Doom.

It was a great walk, taking in volcanic scenery, lakes and forest. We all loved it. Unfortunately all morning Mount Doom was shrouded in the evil mist of Saurroman (erm…it was cloudy), but that didn't stop us pushing on. Fitness freaks Katie and Iain pushed on quickly like the brave little hobbits they are whilst Polly and I trudged along behind like willing but patience elves. As we crossed the high point of the walk you could feel the evil eye of the dark lord circling all around (ermm…. it was very windy) and it took great courage and persistence to push through. The weak turned back (the Japanese in jeans and sandals), but even the massed ranks of chasing orcs couldn't put us off (a large group of school children from Wellington High were clogging up the path). Eventually we crossed the pass and all of middle earth was spread out before us (we had a good view).

That night tucked up in our campervan, in bed, Polly kept reciting lines from the Lord of the Rings. That's right she was Tolkien in her sleep.