Oh yea baby, first world country here we come, after a nail biting flight we made it to sunny New Zealand! I stomped off the plane in a right mood as we were due to meet Sally at the airport but our flight had been delayed by two hours and she had work. We took off from BA on time however two hours into the flight we had to turn round and go back as there was a problem with the plan. A few airplane mechanics walked on and off the plane scratching theirs heads and we were off again. The rest of the flight was bumpy and with not knowing what was wrong with the plane we were all a little nervous, saying that I did sleep through my two meals! We arrived safely and we both got way too excited about the signs being in English. We started walking towards passport control when a smiley Kiwi lady offered me a sample of chocolate. I got even more excited about this and engaged her into a full depth conversation about the chocolate then polity declined just because I could. We then saw the duty free shopping and with Becki's camera broken and mine on its last legs we decided to take a look, we ended up leaving there with an Ipod touch. We joked about being the last ones through and Sally waiting but I thought no such luck! As I sulked through the exit doors I saw her face. Yea it was Sally my oldest friend who I grew up with for almost 18 years, we hadn't seen each other in nearly three years until now. As our eyes met we started running towards each other, I had the trolly with all our bags on and I just pushed it away (it hit into a mans legs, oops) we gave each other huge hugs and both had tears in our eyes, it was a very Love Actually moment. We both calmed down and Becki and Sally were introduced. Sally made us a welcome to NZ poster which we both admired and then quickly made plans for the next day and said goodbye.

We then got some cash and jumped on a local bus. The fare was $16.00 each which is £8.00 which is like a ten hour bus journey in South America. I kinda forgot that in New Zealand they speak English and I very loudly expressed my concern about the cost of the bus which the driver replied with did I have a problem! We arrived at our new home Base, Auckland. We checked in absolutely buzzing and super excited to explore our new destination. We walked down the street went into every shop and wanted everything in slight. We got some food and headed back to the hostel both outraged at the price of things in New Zealand. That night I entered Becki into a pool competition and she would have come second but she potted the black! Although I dont think she minded too much as for the first time in 4 ½ months she had the opportunity to have a pint (well a fake size pint)of cider!

The next day we spent our first day apart for 4 and a half months. I went to Sallys and saw her church, where she worked and where she lived, it was all really nice and I had a wicked day. That day Becki had a very touristy day and saw the harbour, went up the sky tower and watched people jump off it. That evening we all met up had a little dance and and made plans for the next day.

The next day we spent chilled out at Sallys, we watched a film, did some washing and had dinner in Nandos, it was yum. We got dropped off back at our hostel both wanting to stay at Sallys as it was so homely, but we soon settled back into the travelling way again. The following day was spent walking! We walked to the museum which was a good 45 minute walk as we got lost a number of times. We walked through a huge open park where we saw a free music concert. It was all blues music and the average age of the audience was about 50. We sat for a while and ended up getting really into it. We then walked to the museum to find it was a $10.00 donation each when we asked if we could just give one donation they said no, surely that defeat's the object of a donation! No way, we were harden travellers and there was a free concert going on! We left with our heads held high and got an ice cream and watched the rest of the concert. That day we moved hostels to a smaller one that was full of people who worked in the city and needed a cheap place to stay.

That night after what ended up a cheap day as we were extremely good by walking even when we saw the bus, we decided we deserved a night out. We brought some what im sure is New Zealands version of white lightening. The novelty of cider still hasnt worn off yet! We drank our two bottles and even thou a little chilly we walked up to the strip. Inside we met loads of great people who were so friendly offering us places to stay in Sydney, we are getting ready for our trip to Oz and ensuring we keep hold of these contacts. Later that evening when desperate for a little tinkle we ran into the disabled toilet to find a guy in there doing his hair. We apologised and said we needed to use the loo it said go ahead but did we not know who he was! Being extremely honest we replied 'No', which disgused him. He then went on to tell ask us if we liked Lady Gaga, we think she is alright again disgusted with us he informed us that he was the opening act for her show in Auckland and that he was there with all the dancers from the show! We were a little shocked and had to get proof by googling him on a guys mobile and yes he was right he did open the show! Shame it was still lost on us really!

The next day was a crazy day, its what cities do to us! We went over to Base and YES, Becki's card had arrived, whoop whoop we were back in the money. Becki got her hair cut and I got mine smarted up. Becki's hair looked amazing and it made her eyebrow look even cooler. That afternoon I decided to do something crazy and I got my neck pierced! The rest of the day we spent in the hostel eating noodles and playing cards as we had had an expensive day. Our best buy was two Magic tickets for a north and south tour of New Zealand starting the next day. We were ready to set off and see New Zealand.