Just spent two days in Taupo, which is a small town on the edge of Lake Taupo, the 4th largest freshwater lake in the world, it was huge! We went for a two hour horse trek up the mountains and around the craters of the moon, an area of thermal activity. We also took in lovely views of the lake and some not so lovely smells from the horses bums! Got off and was walking like John Wayne, still a bit sore now. Also went to Huka falls where we had a quic...

Having left the South Island we have stopped in Wellington for a few days. On our way up to Auckland. We made the 3 hour ferry crossing on Thursday after spending a few days in a little town called Kaikoura. It is on the East of the South Island and is home to all the Seals, Dusky Dolphins and Sperm Whales. So we went Whale Watching when we got there. They pre-warned us that the conditions were a bit rough and that the whales were last spotted to be s...

Hi, we landed safely in New Zealand and are currently in Christchurch it looks just like England just a lot less busy. It is pretty cloudy at the mo, but still warm for shorts and T-Shirts. We are off to some thermal springs tommorrow for a soak. Then we are picking up the Kiwi Experience bus which will take us around both Islands and finish up again here.

We have now finished our tour of thailand, been excellent. Seen some amazing sights and ready to move on to New Zealand. Had some lazy days on the beaches on Ko Samui but also did some hard walking up the steepest steps to get to the Emerald Lake and other Waterfalls. Also had some early nights but also esperienced the Thai nightlife and the Traditional Full Moon Party. (No lady boys, thankfully) Money goes along way here so shame we could not stay...