The Mauri overnight stay was quite tacky to be honest. Nothing genuine about it, basically performed a traditional dance and sang a few tunes, other than that, self-promoted the fact that they had auditioned for New Zealand's got talent and had over 5 million views on YouTube! Couldn't believe it!! Crowded, noisy, busy.... I like the Maori principles of respecting elders; honouring your family; keeping the peace; welcoming friends and community. Sleeping in the...

Left Raglan at 8 am-almost missed the bus since we had offered to switch to a different hostel at the last minute which was overlooking the coast and we had to hike straight down the path. Bus driver (spoon) seemed ticked:( Loved the hostel-ecofriendly. Recycled everything and had yoga (if you wanted); organic cafe; grew own herbs and vegetables on the premises:) The sunset boat cruise was nice. Had freshly caught fish (&chips). The boat only went 10km/hr-b...

Up and out of camp at 715am. Stopped in Paeroa-famous for L&P-a magnesium rich lemon water. Oh and Speights-a good beer:) Paeroa is also known for its' antique shops (though there was none of that today)! Brief stop in Hamilton which used to host some world cup rugby games and formula car racing. Overcast and rainy today but a welcome break in the weather. Still finding it challenging to know which way the cars are coming from when crossing the road, plus,...

Up early for coffee at Esquires Organic fair trade cafe. Sat for a bit and watched the world go by. Took a cab to another hostel since I wasn't able to let Stray know where to pick me up on time. Dutch girls are on the bus today:) 2 more days with them and then I am on my own again. Brief stop at the Stray office before heading south to Thames for some groceries, then to our camp in Hahei. It is a holiday resort campground with many kiwi families here camping...

New year's eve! Caught the bus back here to Auckland yesterday afternoon. Our driver Ariel is another gorgeous kiwi native-dimples, tall, rugged, handsome:) He was rockin' out to his iTunes repertoire including Hans Zimmer (theme from Beverly Hills cop and Top Gun, plus heavy metal tunes)-priceless! Checked into the Jucy hostel around 8pm. Grabbed dinner down the street before bed. Pleased as a pickle to finally have me own room:) I was able to re-organize my pa...