Got up at 6.30 to catch the ferry back to the north island. Admired the sounds on the way and then pretty smooth ride over the cook straight, but unfortunately the ferry was late. It was due in at 11.1 and my bus was due to leave at 12. At 11.50 we were still standing on the ferry! There was me and 2 other women caching the same bus, we ran off the ferry to the train station, where the bus was going from. We ran around the corner and just saw the bus pulling away! I ran into the middle of the road and started waving (it was in a car park) but to no avail. luckily a very kind lady told us to throw our bags in the back of the car and get ion and she'd chase the bus down, we got to the bus just as it was aboutto pull out of the car park onto the dual carriage, we jumped out and banged on the dorr and luckily again the driver was anice guy ad stopped and let us on, very lucky!! :) the rideup to rotorua was smooth after that. I was pretty tired when i arrived in rotorua about 7.30, mike picked me up and we went back to his where i met his flatmates Smeagal and phil, both really nice and get on with them well. Mike took me rafting and although he tipped me out of the raft I've still not flipped in a raft. Met Lisa, Sarah and Albi who i also really like and Weka and one of his mates came round and weal had a few drinks.

Andy who i used towork with in the nursery tav back in sheff was in rotorua so i met up with him onenight fora few drinks in the lava bar, and saw John again. Mike came and joined us later and he'd finished working for skyline- just driving people around. Was really good to see some one frm back home again and here a familiar accent :)

We and Mike went into town a couple of times to do odd bits and one day went and had afew games of pool which mike won so think im going to have to let him have the pool crown now- i'm going to have to get some practice in! lol! We went down to the store a couple of times as well, where Lisa works. Mike lives about 20mins out of town, likeost of the other guides and the store is quite a popular place for them to be during the day- if theyre not working or round at someone elses house.

Me and Mikewent out to a really gorgeous waterfall- really nice spot ad walked above it and there was an amazing view from up there- could see right through the valey and it was quite a cold day so steam was rising up from the river which looked amazing. That night we went up the gondala and had a meal at the restauran at the top (really nice bufet style, mike gets free tickets when he does driving for them- skyline). Really good day!

Went to paradise valley- animal wildlife centre. we arrived just in time to see the lions get fed, its amazing to actually here them roar- so much better than through a tv set. then went for a walk around and saw lots of other animalsincluding goats, wild trout, possoms and then we made a friend with a little lamb. He was so cute, nibbled our fingers and played and would follow us down the fence and run after mike but then as soon as someone else came he was off! sure he would have missed us though cos sure we were way more fun :)

On my last night me and Mike went to the cinema to see the new Indiana Jones movie. Went back to the house and hung out with a few more of Mikes mates. Then after the others had gone me, Mike and Smeags went dow to the river, was really great. it was a full moon so still bright and all the glow worms were out as well. really good last night in rotorua.

Next morning said bye to Smeags, Phil, Albi and Lisa and gave them all hugs and then mike dropped me into town. gave him a huge hug and then got on the bus. 4 hour bus drive up to Auckland and Kay and Georgia picked me up from the bus stop. wen out to their house, where Fin and Sean were. Had dinner and then watched England lose to New Zealand at rugby, boooo! Next day just relaxed and played with the kids quite a bit, tomorrow im going to go to their local village and then later on kay's going to drop me at the airport and then home here i come!!!! :)