Auckland...funny old place, aside from the huge amount of immigration from the far east, there is little to note from the biggest city in NZ. Little interesting culture, buildings or people that I have come across. Still, I'm catching the ferry over to Devonport and as if tempting fate with my observations above, this turned out to be a delight, on the opposite side of the river to Auckland City. More delights were to be found via the boutique suburbs of Parne...

Well last night was a bit of a car crash in more ways than one. But one light hearted example of this that I will divulge js that all 'family' Auckland's premier gay bar had to offer were three large lesbians dancing with Hawaiian skirts on...not my scene really. Didn't feel like doing much today so had a lazy stroll around the main shopping areas before visiting the impressive Skytower which is the largest erection in the southern hemisphere! Finished the eve...

The coach trip to Auckland via the Waitomo Caves was a worthwhile experience, just to see all the glow worms clinging to the cave ceiling emitting a spooky blue glow. On the way from the caves, the coach driver put a video on about New Zealand and by the looks of things, the cities of Dunedin and Christchurch (both in the South Island which I didn't see) appear very British inspired which may explain my perceptions to date. Immediately feel at home in Auckland ...

Leaving the beautiful lodge at an early hour this morning, I hit the road with a quick stop at Taupo - a town where you can see money has been spent - lovely houses surround a huge lake. Mount Doom from LOTR in the distance looks nice in the sunshine too ;-) Rotorua appears nice and the powerful eggy smell doesn't bother me at all, must be all those egg sandwiches I took to school, either way think the smell is clearing my sinuses up a treat! Things turned a l...

With only a week of my trip left, I'm happy to say I think I've turned the corner with this virus and will be back on form by the time I visit Auckland. Following a pleasant dinner last night with my Wellington driver, Craig I'm now writing this sitting in an outdoor bath, bathed in glorious sunshine, I should be so lucky! Enjoyed being super lazy today, sunbathing and a soak in the outdoor jacuzzi. The accomadation and location here is superb and John has be...