Set alarm for 7am - hectic hour getting everyone out of bed, dressed, breakfasted & car packed. Ready to leave by 8.20. Said farewell to the Blackburns, and set off for Sydney.

Lovely clear bright day - easy drive up the highway to the car hire depot - dealt with final paperwork, and were driven to Departures.

Long queue at check-in, until the Quantas staff started pulling passengers for certain flights pout of the queue. Straight through passport & customs checks, to the boarding gate, and swiftly onto the plane.

3 hour flight - just enough time for a film and food - and soon descending into Auckland.

Collected luggage, and no delays getting through formalities and into New Zealand! Airport minibus ($57) straight to Beckenham Avenue, where D managed to ring next door's doorbell, much to the amusement of Andy & Gwyn's (very nice) next door neighbours!

Introduced the kids to their Great Aunt & Uncle, and Molly the dog. Chatted over a coffee while the kids explored the house and garden, and played with the dog. M very excited by the prospect of both a pool and a hot tub!

Showered & changed out of smelly travelling clothes, then tucked into delicious burritos, and looked on in amusement, as the Kiwi contingent got gradually more & more excited at the prospect of tonight's Rugby World Cup semi final against Australia. Andy had a ticket, and went off to Eden Park with a friend, while we sat with Gwyn & a few of her friends, in front of the huge pull down projector screen, to watch the pre-match build up. Distracted kids with Finding Nemo on DVD in the front room!

Highly contagious atmosphere, and even the Rugby-ignorant Brits were on the edge of their seats by the second half! Thankfully, the All Blacks played a blinder, and won through to the final, next weekend.

Finally turned in about half past midnight, leaving the Kiwis to celebrate long into the night!