Arrived in the evening at Ohakune and bad weather, we checked the weather report at the lodge we were staying at and the moutain had been shut all day due to strong winds!!!! This was not looking good for tomorrows planned day on the slopes however it did say that the weather should be better in morning. We sat around lodge that evening watching a film next to the fire and avoiding going back tot he room for as long as possible since it was soo cold!!!! Next morning we checked the weather report and kept our rfigners crossed, damn it, high winds again and no moutain activity today, balls to it, there goes our planned day of snow boarding, gutted.

Since no action happening in Ohakune today we left after check out and drove to Taupo. Here we once again stopped and took in scenary of famous Lake Taupo before going onto 'Huka Falls'. This was a series of rapids created by the Dam opening and shutting, seriously powerful rapids here and you certainly would not be wanting to fall into them.

After this we carried on our drive to Auckland and stopped off at a place called 'Waimangu'. This was a walk which took you through the aftermath of New Zealands most recent Volcanic Eruption. Lots of hot pools and springs here. The main sights on this however were definatley the 'Frying Pan Lake' which was a huge water filled crater in the moutains with steam rising off of it in all differant areas across it, very bizzare. Antother highlight being Inferno Crater whcih when at its lowest has water in it at boling point, really impressive but also very very strange.

From here we set off back to Auckland and arrived at 7.30pm where we checked straight into the YHA. Next morning we headed into town and up to the Sky Tower. Guess what.......... Awesome views across the city. Certainly done some Sky Towers whilst away and yet everyone I feel was worthwhile as it gives the best impression of the city in terms of sights. This one had an added attraction to it mind you with a thing called a 'Sky Jump'. I never did one but witnessed a couple being done. People head up to the top and then whilst attached to a wire jump of the top of the tower. They then fall and the wire stops them first and the viewing towers window, where they are dangled for all to see before being relaesed again and picking up speed before being once again stopped just before the ground!!! Very funny to watch, but not something i particulary had any interest in partaking in!!!!!

So that was New Zealand completed. What a whistle stop tour it was, dissapointed not to have maybe spent some more time in places, however really looking forward to some sun and beach relaxation in Fiji. We drove the car to the airport dropped it off it was checked over by the shop, no problems and next thing we were in the airport awaiting our flight out of there. It barely seems like yesterday I arrived here and Im back at the same airport to leave!! Oh well I guess that happens towards then end of a trip!!! DOH. Roll on the R&R I am looking forward to in Fiji, after the hectic pace New Zealand has just been completed in it will be a welcome sight...........

After here