Well I have been a bit behind in keeping my movements up to date since arriving in New Zealand and so will try and sum up the past 3 weeks as quickly as poss! Spent Easter weekend in Auckland which was quiet but managed a few nights out and met a very funny America, Justin, who Sarah and I took under our wing. Mainly because he could map read and Sarah to her credit had already owned up to this being not in her skill set! We headed north out of Auckland up to the Bay of Islands and stayed in Piahia. Enjoying the many amazing beaches and soaking up the sun. After a brief stop in Auckland on the Saturday night to meet up with Dan and take a chance to sample the Kiwi nightlife we were back on the road. As for Sarah's birthday she decided a skydive would be the order of the day so we hot footed down to Lake Taupo. Sarah's enthusiasm managed to rub off on Dan and Justin but i was keeping my feet firmly on the ground. Not quite up for willingly paying to be thrown out of an aeroplane at 12000 ft. I admit .. a chicken really!!! Then it was down to Tongario National Park to do a day hike. May be more familiar with the names Mount Doom and Mordor (Lord of the Rings.... in case those names escape you!). Stopped in Rotoura before sadly saying goodbye to Justin. Sarah and I still in search of the sun and more beaches headed north to the Cormandal. After days enjoying an endless supply of fish and chips and relaxing on the beach we thought some exercise was in order. Visited Hot Water Beach where you dig a hole in the sand at low tide and the water that fills the hole is pretty hot. Your own bath on the beach! .. luckily we had Dan to keep digging the hole! Tee hee! Then we walked to Cathedral Cove and yes you guessed it .. finished the day with some more fish and chips! Dan then headed to Auckland and so as Sarah and I were still keen to see a bit more of the north island we travelled east to a town called Napier. Very 1930s! Went to the aquarium and got to see my first kiwi! Ok .. not quite in its natural setting .. but a start! We are now in Wellington which is a great city with lots going on and good atmosphere. Tonight we are taking the ferry to Picton on the South Island so fingers crossed the sea will not be too choppy!