So, the 8 hour wait wasn't so bad after all... :-/
We had a nice chat with one of the air stewards before take off and mentioned to him that we had a long wait at Brisbane airport (12-8am) and that we'd quite like some wine to help pass the time. he was totally on board with the idea so kept us well stocked. during the flight grace made friends Kerry, an Irish man sat opposite and spent most of the flight talking to him. the lady trying to sleep behind wasn't so appreciative of their new friendship and told her quite bluntly to 'shut up'. after several wines I think graces reply was something along the lines of 'no, why don't u shut up!' to which the lady called her a 'silly girl' why the woman, who had 4 seats to herself, didn't just put her head the other end of the row we'll never know! even Kerry thought she was very rude! stupid bint!
After a small tipple of gin and a splash of wine it was time to land. we are ashamed to admit that we don't actually recall the land, something to do with the jet lag?? but we do remember walking through first class and stocking up on pillows and fleece lined blankets? We appeared to be the only passengers heading on to Auckland so had the whole of the airport to ourselves which at that time of day resembled a ghost town. I had also failed to notice that through security grace had been whisked off to be frisked!! I was much too busy chatting (?! possibly hugging?!) the security guard...FROM HUCCLECOTE!!!
needless to say we spent the next 7 hours totally zonked out on a cafe sofa; when we woke up we were a tad confused but happy to see people!! Our flight on to Auckland was only 3 hours, followed by a 3 hour transfer to Sean and Kirsty's house in Cambridge.

we spent the evening chatting and had fish and Chips! including a curried role- which Sean insisted upon having! fair play they were lovely! dean came to visit on his way into Hamilton for a friends leaving 'do' and invited us along! we quickly got changed and off we headed! he warned us that it was the rough part of town, but not as bad as Newport South Wales! where Gareth had forced him to go out! we met lots of the girls who work at Wentwood grange and spent the majority of the evening trying to set Kayleigh up with the dodger cross eyed drunk keyboard player! I think she was keen until he shouted, very oddly, at the end of his set 'smoke and fly people!'

Saturday began with a very early start... jokes! we awoke at 12:30pm and Sean suggested we contact Kayleigh to take us to something we weren't sure we heard correctly! 'you fancy watching horse sex girls?' Ummm yeah we do!!! so once Kate Henderson (friends with Kayleigh who works on the stud, also from Harper) arrived we headed to pick up the mare and her foal. the first task was to check she was ready, this is checked by a teaser who is a horse not much larger than a Shetland pony who mounts but obviously can not reach! then the stallion arrives, he makes a very proud entrance and does the deed! we feel a tad awkward watching, but the Irish vet was so excited we felt a little better!
the weekend ended with a visit to the Hawkins family home and a cuddle with a 12 week old ginger and white fluffy collie puppy! too cute! we caught the naked bus back to Auckland and awaited the arrival of Amy and Emma! after some grub, a drink and a catch up we head to bed ready to start our kiwi adventure the following morning...