The cruise yesterday was amazing. The day started out overcast, but within 5 minutes of being on the water, the sky cleared:) Was out on the water for about 4 hours-just enough to be sun-kissed as I have been wanting since I arrived.... When I came back, I sat out in our deck and played a game called 's***-head' with 2 guys from the U.K:) Played for about 2 hours (I had some beginners luck initially, then lost-oh well)! We went out for dinner on a patio along h...

Up at 8am. Headed to the Pier to catch the boat for today. Goes to 5-6 various islands with a stop for lunch plus Hole in the Rock. Again, touristy packed boat:( Alas, I found a spot on the top deck along the back for myself! I adore being out on the water:) Again, sunshiny sky, aqua blue/green waters! Saw a pod of dolphins within our first 15 minutes out. I love seeing animals in their natural habitat! Brilliant. Stopped now on an island (Otehei Bay) for lunch...

Best day-long day! Caught the bus headed for Cape Reinga at 710am. Stopped to pick up others along the way. Went to a cafe for breakfast and got a long black (=coffee similar to an americano in Canada)! Full coach bus of people. The bus driver decided to head straight up to Cape Reinga-expected number of buses-5 with about 50 people on each so he knew it would be busy! What an experience! I am grateful to be alive today. One of the most incredible places I h...

After my Starbucks Christmas blend coffee, I crossed the street and saw another backpacker. Turns out, she is on my bus tour! She is from Holland, just finished travelling through Asia for 2-3 months and is now doing NZ! Bus comes. There are about 10 of us on it today-so a small group which is nice. There are 2 other girls from Holland, 1 from France, a couple from Australia, a couple from Germany, and 2 from I have no idea! Bus driver seems hung over but jolly!...

Went to bed at 8pm last night. It's now 6am....when I checked into the hostel yesterday, the girl told me my room was on the 7th floor. On the elevator ride up, I noticed advertising for a bar/pub on the 6th floor. Well, what do you know that it's right below my room and played loud, bass beating music until 430 am! I guess no noise by-laws here (or else because it was Boxing Day)? Only 1 bunk mate overnight. Still, feel rested after being able to lie flat t...