Got up nice and early to catch our ferry back to the North Island only to receive a text that it had been cancelled due to bad weather. After much to-ing and fro-ing we ended up booked on another ferry for later in the day. Unfortunately that ferry left three hours late and was probably the worst crossing I've ever experienced. Fortunately sea-sickness was kept at bay with Amy's newly discovered remedy - Ginger tables (recommended for anyone who suffers from motion sickness of any kind!). We arrived in Wellington to lashing rain and really strong winds, but managed to make it to the relative safety of our campsite. Tried to time trips to the loo in between the worst of the weather! The next day we started our trip back north and headed to Hastings via the Manawatu gorge and a visit to a very impressive wind farm. The weather wasn't great, but as we spent most of the day in the van it wasn't so bad. Had a look around Hastings in the evening while on our daily search for a pool table (found one in a pub that sold jugs of beer for $7. Perfect!). In the morning we drove/walked up Te Matu Peak for fantastic views over the Hawkes Bay area and the rolling green (and I mean green) hills all around. Next stop was Napier where we enjoyed the Art Deco buildings as well as a great pie! That afternoon we rented a couple of bicycles and headed off to sample some of the local wine. Fortunately the area around Napier is pretty flat and we made it to two great vineyards and sampled over 10 different wines. Oh, and we made it back safely to the campsite afterwards! Had a great Thai meal in the evening to top off a great day. The next morning we set off to Taupo. This would be our second visit to the town, but since it was also the home to the cheapest skydive in the country we just had to go back! We spent the afternoon revisiting a couple of the highlights of Taupo - the Huka Falls and the Craters of the Moon as these were some of the photos we had lost. Plus, they are also great places to visit! Wake up bright and early ready for the long-awaited sky-dive. The weather looks a little cloudy but we phone to check and it's all go. Start to feel a little nervous now, as it really is going to happen... Once we arrive at the airport it all happens very quickly and we are suddenly squeezed into a tiny airplane with our instructors. Amy is feeling remarkably relaxed at this point, but Stu is starting to sweat... I think because he knows he will be first! After a great 20 minute scenic flight over Lake Taupo with views across to Rotorua and the Tongariro National Park we arrive at 12,000 feet and it is time to go. Amy suddenly feels the nerves as she watches Stu disappear from the plane. But eventually it is my turn! And, it was fab! The moment you fall out of the plane is the scariest part as it really feels like you are just falling out of the sky, but you quickly get used to it and enjoy the freefall. Before you know it (after 40 seconds, but feels like 10 seconds) the parachute has been pulled and you are slowly floating to earth, again with great views of the area. I was also lucky enough to see a circular rainbow in the clouds which was awesome! Unfortunately my motion sickness somehow kicked in on the way down, so it wasn't the most pleasant experience - I never expected to need ginger tablets for a sky-dive, but I will know next time. After a few minutes we were safely back on firm ground and the whole thing seemed like a bit of a blur. I was actually keen to go up and try it again! We would definitely recommend the experience, with Taupo possibly the cheapest in the world at 50 quid! Since that includes a scenic flight it really isn't bad at all.. Anyway, we didn't have time to sit and reminisce about the experience, we were on our way to Rotorua. On the way we stopped at a great Thermal area call Oraki Korako which was great. You get there by boat across the lake and see lots of bubbling water and mud, silica terraces, small geysers and much more. Plus, it was pretty much free of tourists which is always a bonus. Arrive in Rotorua later in the day and decide we need a night in after all the excitement of the day.