My last stop before Auckland was Mount Maunganui. Unfortunately our bus got there at about 4.30pm and I was going to leave the next morning not giving me much time to see the place. Mount Maunganui is mainly known for its beach and surfers paradise. Luckily the sun was still high enough to allow me to enjoy the stretch of white beach. People were learning to kite board and it was fun to watch them for a while, whilst soaking up some late afternoon rays. Original...

I left the city of art deco for the city of geothermal wonder - Rotorua. The city lies on the Rotorua Caldera which is part of the Taupo Volcanic Zone, and although it erupted 240,000 years ago, still produces fine geysers and sights. Our bus stopped at the Wai-O-Tapu Geothermal Wonderland on route, allowing us to wander around this amazing sight. Set paths meandered past bubbling geysers, mud pools and sulphuric rock. Every corner held a different sight includin...

Napier is based in Hawkes Bay and is famous for 2 things; 1930s art deco and wine. The former is due to an earthquake in 1931 which levelled the city, it was rebuilt almost entirely in art deco style. This has become a main feature of the town and a highlight which attracts many visitors to it. When I arrived in Napier the sun was shining and it gave a special feel to the town. It was very relaxed and the art deco gave it a peaceful feel. You could wander around ...

Ironically it was cheaper to fly from Christchurch to Wellington then it was to get the ferry across the small passage. I think it was the shortest flight I have ever taken, and it appeared that just as we took off we were coming into land. Very bizarre. Again due to time constrictions I only had one night in Wellington, which is a shame as it appeared to be a lovely city from what I saw. Our flight landed at 3.30pm and I was panicking about getting from the airp...

The way my bus worked meant that to go to the North Island I would have to go through Christchurch, Kaikora and Picton again to get a ferry to Wellington. Researching online, I realised it was cheaper (and quicker) to fly to Wellington from Christchurch. I therefore revisited Christchurch for a final few days. I had seen most of the things I wanted to see first time around so had not planned to do much. I met up with Meg whom I had met on my first night there and...