Sunday morning, 13 Feb., started with a delicious cooked breakfast, trading experiences and recommendations with the other guests, then we were off for a truly exciting adventure. We were booked for a helicopter ride that would take us out over the Pacific Ocean, land on an active volcano, and then we would make a one hour tour on foot, with our pilot as a guide, of the volcano itself. The volcano, named White Island by Captain Cook (alternatively called Whakaari...

Reached Rotoroa on Friday afternoon, 12 Feb., after a lunchtime stop at a small town called Cambridge (the other one) where, as luck would have it, there were several antique shops. Purchases were made (small and lightweight). Then, on to Lodge 199 to be welcomed by Kay, her shih-tzu Freddie, and a glass of Sauvignon Blanc, in the late afternoon. We could happily live at the Lodge forever. It is a lovely, newish house right on the waterfront of Lake Tanawera, at ...

It's Thursday and we've just arrived in Auckland, on the north island of New Zealand. We're met by Jeremy Zinzan , the son of our dentist in London. It's a long story, but he did a wonderful job in organising this part of our trip. We have a great view overlooking Auckland harbour from the Westin Harbourside hotel. The evening has been spent walking around the jetties and quays and seeing the wide array of sailing and motor yachts from all over the world. Probabl...

Wednesday we flew from Perth to Sydney (4 ½ hours and 3 time zones away, much like a US cross country flight). No security to speak of in Perth airport as compared with Heathrow, which was a bit worrying—take as much liquid on board as you like, no need to show anyone your passport or ID. Arriving in Sydney just for the one night, as we leave early Thursday am for our New Zealand trip. We have booked into the Establishment, a boutique hotel, so we can relax. ...

On Monday we drive up the coast to spend two days in Fremantle, the main port on the Swan River, on the West Coast of Australia. We arrive at a delightfully old fashioned B&B - Fothergills - which has a great view over the port. Even better, our room has its own private library, which we investigate a bit, and a second story verandah to sit and watch the world go by. For the first time on this trip, breakfast is included in the price of the room, which not a...