Had a lovely few days catching up with old friends in Paraparaumu then headed up through the middle of the North Island. We set out to do the Tongariro Crossing on a trail that varies from easy-going walkways to scrambling up steep, rocky inclines. The colours are amazing though and it's the perfect setting for LOTR - Peter Jackson obviously knows his NZ stuff (Mount Doom, Marion!).

We followed this up with a lazy day in Taupo. Never would have thoght I'd watch "Wild Hoggs" but it was actually quite funny - must have found that sense of humour somewhere.... Continuing up through Rotorua led us to the stinky but interesting Te Puia. How on earth do people live here?! It smells. Bad. Saw the impressive mud pools, prince of wales geyser and the pohutu geyser (in the picture).

Did a final mad drive up to the north coast through torrential rain and gusts of wind that have given me biceps like Popeye (holding onto Burt, the campervan, is no mean feat in this weather!). We hit the beaches of Mount Manganui and our little haven today. Hurrah for Elgar - he is letting us stay in his beach house whilst we're here! Travelling in the van has been great but 4 weeks is definitely enough.... Return it to Auckland tomorrow and then have some chill time before the adventure continues in South America!

Hasta Luego mi amigos! Let me know how you're getting on too...

Much Love, S xx