We first arrived into Auckland on 30th January and went to stay in an gigantic hostal in central Auckland - it had 10 floors, crazy! Auckland is just like a big city, I almost felt like I could be in London except it was hot! We didn't do very much to start with - we just went for a walk or two and did some shopping as it was Auckland day and there were many street performers and other things going on. We also did a city tour which is how we met the Chief of the local tribe who accidentally gave me a moko (tattoo). We then embarked on the Kiwi Experience - which is our bus company and headed north to the Bay of Islands which is very pretty. Nat and I spent a night on a boat where we fished, went kayaking at night (amazing!), went snorkelling etc. Good stuff. We saw dolphins as well and they were really playing up for us, jumping around loads. It was quite incredible. We didn't do too much else in Paihia as it was lovely and hot and the beach was so appealing! We headed back to Auckland to meet up with Rich Roberts for a night out...best not say too much about that as I wasn't very well the next day. Back in Auckland we visited the Auckland museum, went swimming and took the ferry to a volcanic island called Rangitoto where we walked to the top and had great views of the city. We have met loads of great people, some for the second time already! I had a bit of a hard time getting used to being in New Zealand - especially with the time difference but all is good now.