Slept like a log after my spa trip, only to be woken by Mum at 2.30am. They'd somehow managed to completely flatten the battery on my car, so she was phoning me to let me know, which I'm glad she did, but ideally not at 2.30am NZ time!! Anyway, got back to sleep, though not great, as the hotel I'm in is right on the main road out of town, so there was a fair bit of traffic noise, which made it difficult to get back off to sleep properly. When I got an unbooked 7...

You know I said I'd give my right arm for a bit of straight road? I take it back, slightly. Got up reasonably early and left Auckland by just after 8ish to head down to Waitomo Caves, which are slightly out of the way to Rotorua, but most definitely worth it!! The road was actually pretty good and the scenery was awesome, so it was a pleasant drive for a couple of hours. Got tickets for the Gloworm Cave and the Aranui cave, would have very much liked to have d...

So, arrived at my Auckland hotel, as recommended by the receptionist at Paihia, to find that once again, it's not really a hotel, it's actually serviced apartments/studios, with some hotel features added on. Never mind - it is central, a 5 minute walk to the Harbour and most other stuff within easy reach. Arrived mid afternoon, so though I might steal a march and try and see some of the stuff recommended in my guide book before the sun went down. Again, slightly ...

Slept in until about 10am the next day, which I obviously needed thanks to the stupid o'clock start the previous day. Was dismayed to find no internet and very little amenities - I had managed somehow to book myself into a campervan site, with a small motel on the side, rather than the hotel I had thought - must pay more attention in the future. Anyway, the reception ladies were very helpful and friendly and it was only for a couple more nights, so what the heck?...

So Easter Monday was something of a washout - lots of things very closed!! Shifted myself out of bed mid morning to go to Polkolbin Village, which turned out to be a very small parade of shops, where even the restaurant was closed!! It did however have a lovely gift shop and a general store, which was doing a roaring trade in snacks and sandwiches, as lots of hungry tourists were wandering around looking for food and some inspiration for the day. Got myself a ve...