Aukland  - 15 to 19 Nov 2004
The flight to New Zealand was grand (aside from the fact that economy on Lan Chile is like Ryan Air with TV sets) and arrived in Auckland OK. One thing you might not be aware of is that someone does something sneaky and takes away a day of your life during the flight. We left on the 13th and arrived on the 15th >>> the 14th of November doesn't actually exist in my being. I feel kind of cheated......

Auckland was very like being home in England. Nice, clean city (so maybe not like England!) and the place that we came across a lovely chap called Henry - Henry the Hi Ace van. After a bit of chatting to Henry's owners (a couple of Mancs) we decided to go ahead and buy him - so we're now proud owners of a quality white van - with a boogie board chucked into the bargain so I can test out my skills of the waves.

Lake Taupo 20 to 21 Nov 2004
Lakeside town, home to adventure sports in the North Island and a riverside camp area,

We left Auckland & headed down to towards Lake Tapuo, a nice spot, camping by the river. I've finally bought some shorts (and a savage grade 3 all over hair cut!) ...and got burnt straight away - put those pasty English legs away Rob, I think is what the small children in the street were saying....anyway...

Napier 21 to 24 Nov 2004

Left there & headed to Napier deep in Hawkes Bay wine region. Wine tour was hit on Monday - it was superb, sun shining & wine tasting from 10.50am - I now love Monday mornings! Ended up going around six places, with lunch + cheese & biscuits along the way.

Wellington 24 to 27 Nov 2004

After a couple of days there we are now in the capital city of Wellington - the day ahead faces the challenges of Birthday and Christmas shopping for Martina......Saturday we get a boat to the South Island .