Once back in Auckland, we only had two days left with the girls so we decided to explore a bit of the northern tip of the island. So pleased we did as it's absolutely beautiful and Jo and me ended up staying in the Bay of Islands for 5 days. Was sad to see the girls go- it feels as if we are constantly saying bye to people. Whilst the girls were with us we decided to take a ferry trip over to Russell (the first capital of New Zealand). It was very quaint and sweet, we bought yummy fish and chips for lunch and sat by the sea until we were surrounded by all the sea gulls (think it was my fault as I ind of fed one of the sea gulls next to me- whoops).

Yesterday, Jo and I did a trip to Cape Reigna which is the very tip of New Zealand. On the way up to the Cape we stopped off at a bakery which claimed to be 'the best bakery in NZ'. I think it was probably the WORST bakery that we have been in so far. Cape Reigna was absolutely stunning, and we got to see where the Tasman sea and the Pacific ocean meet. We also got to go sand boarding down huge sand dunes (which involves lying on a boogy board and plummetting down massive sand dunes- never seen anything quite like it). We drove home via ninety mile beach (yep we drove on the beach- was crazy stuff). It's actually classed as a road in NZ but only certain vehicles are insured to drive on it.

The next day, we took ourselves off on a bike ride and visited Waitangi where we saw treaty house- this is where the indigenous Maori people and the British signed a contract to work in cooperation with eachother on 6th February 1840. We learnt lots about the history of the country.

We have our last day in Auckland tomorrow before flying to Australia on Monday so we are planning to visit a really cool Aquarium where you have the chance to swim with sting ray and sharks (don't think i'll quite be doing that though). We really have loved New Zealand though and will definately be returning in the future.  SWEET AS!!!