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...

Damn my health! Full on flu gave me a second wretched nights sleep, or lack of. Most frustrating. Anyway John, one of the hosts kindly gave me a lift into the nearby town of Rotorua so I could arrange my bus for thursday, I then spent the rest of the day in Napier, including seeing my first Kiwi, which was bigger than I thought it would be, am tempted to bring one home for Ginger and Hattie. While the art deco buildings in Napier are pretty, because the locals...

Well, after a difficult nights' sleep feeling like death warmed up, feel a bit better today as I set out on a road trip with Craig - roughly a four hour drive to my next stop - a men's retreat near Napier which is a town with lots of beautiful art deco apparently - rebuilt following a severe earthquake in the 1930's. After a road trip kindly supplied by a local kiwi, I have arrived at this lovely retreat to find I am the only one staying! Three days of R and R ...