Hi guys,

We uploaded some pics yesterday, but unfortunately the computer fell ill so there's some pics with a white line which is a bit annoying, but we're not uploadin them again so they'll have to do!

Anyway... we set off in our camper after having a wander around Auckland and the harbour and headed to 'Mercury Bay'. Rach driving and Ciara navigating we arrived at Whitianga, driving through some spectacular scenery along the way. We arrived when it was dark and so quick dinner and snuggle up with a dvd!!

Tuesday, we did a coastal walk to Cathedral Cove, stopping off at Gemstone Bay and Stingray Bay. The views really are stunning, and Cathedral Cove (with it's famous gigantic limestone arch) was worth seeing!

We then saw Hahei hot water beach, and checked out the surfer dudes. No fitties we're afraid!! We then drove down to Rotorua and made some gorgeous fajitas for tea!

Wednesday, at Rotorua, we went to the Skyline Skyride and luge, with views over lake Rotorua. We had 3 rides down the luge- a sort of tobogan and were like big kids racing down the track! Giggles all round!!

We then went to 'hell's Gate'- a geothermal park where the steam and sulphur pools are just eerie, but cool! It began to rain too, which didn't spoil our fun and brought out the rainbows! We even carved our own maori symbols as a souvenir.

Back to the campsite, we made our leftover tea (spag bol) and headed to the cinema SHOCK!!! because we wanted to see what all the hype was about over 'The Dark Knight'.

Thursday... completely random/spontaneous/WICKED day! We headed straight down to Taupo (deciding to visit Waitomo on the way back), stopping off for pics of the views and then Huka Falls (stunning falls of NZ's longest river), the Maori called 'Hukanui- (great Body of Spray).

Lunch by the side of the river, we felt like Snow White with all the animals coming to say hello before going to find the airport to check out how much skydiving cost! First place, they said we could do a dive in half an hour. Were we up for it? hell we were!!!

The skydive.... more giddy than nervous we headed up in the plane.. at 12,000 feet we did rock, paper, scissors to decide who was to jump first Ciara lost and was going first.... at 15,000 feet off she went, leaving Rach open armed for her missing buddy.. then off Rach jumped...

the freefall is amazing, lasting just under 60 seconds!! wind wobbling the cheeks, and pinning you into place (it was so hard to move your arms to shake the camera mans hand). then the parachute goes and you enjoy the stunning views of Lake Taupo (the largest lake in the southern hemisphere!) and the snow-topped mountains Ruapehu, Tongariro, & Ngauruhoe. We've got the DVD, pics and t-shirt for memories and all you back home (we've watched them 3 times already lol!)

Today (Fri) to watch some crazy people bungy jump (we won't be doing it!) and head down to Wellington.

That's all for now folks!

Love Ciara & Rach xxxx