Happy New Year to everyone, lets hope its a happy and prosperous 2008.

New Years Eve in Auckland certainly was a great night, enjoyed by all we had a very good three course meal, wine, baileys and malt whisky! As the bells rang the fireworks were set off from the sky tower, lighting up the sky infront of thousands of people. We left the restaurant and found a great Irish Bar with live music and partied there until 5am! Even met a Scots man dressed casual kilt! Well done to the old man for lasting the pace untul 5am (certainly better than Karen and I, as we got home to me passing out fully clothed and Karen calling the Vicar).....

A rather lazy start to 2008 followed due to hangovers, but we did manage the traditional steak pie for dinner. Pops was falling asleep standing up by 9pm tho without any alcohol.

Wed we took the car out for a leisurely drive North, seeing some fantastic scenery and really starting to get a feel for what New Zealand has to offer. Our expectations are certainly high from the taster we have had so far.

Thursday Karen began work in Hamilton, so Pops and I organised our campervan (with much debate as to the standard) for pickup today. Feeling rather well organised we hit the city centre for the afternoon to visit the Museum, which was much enjoyed and very educational, we even found a statue of Rabbie Burns in the grounds of the stunning gardens.

So today we have picked up our camper, which is to be home for the next three weeks before we fly from Christchurch to Auckland on the 31st Jan. The camper is pure luxary with only 34km's on the clock (Pops being a snob and insisting on having the best) much different from our van in Australia, I mean we have a fridge, a fold down flat screen tv and dvd, you can even stand up! I mean come on this is class........

We are leaving Auckland now, travelling about 3hrs south to Rotoura where we will meet Karen for the weekend. Looking forward to getting the swimmers on and enjoying some hot spring spa's and mud baths. Starting a road trip of a lifetime we have a lot to look forward to with life on the open road..

PS. No snow here as we continue to enjoy (and get burnt) in the 29degree heat.

Love to you all, keep the messages coming and we will keep you all updated as often as possible.

xxxxxxxxxxx