Picked up camper van - perfect for the two of us with all mod cons. It's very big to drive but ok once you get used to it. Parking or manoeuvering is another story ! ! ! Vod hasn't tried yet but "looking forwards" to the experience. Drove down to Raglan on the coast near Hamilton. Only about 100 miles but took nearly 3hrs - the Country's main highway Route N°1, a magnificent 3 lane motorway in Auckland quickly drops to single lane & 50kph speed ...

Journey VERY long but both arrived remarkably well at 3-00am local time after about 30 hours travelling. Could have gone out clubbin' ! ! Next day nice & sunny. Did a lot of walking to wear off jet lag & visited Auckland harbour & museum. Saw lots of maori stuff + highlight for Stewart a Spitfire fighter plane. Walking worked for Stewart - could have gone out clubbin' fri eve - but not for Vod who was "un peu fatiguée" - so we stayedin &...