Hello!

So thought I would update you all on how its going in the North island and the Stray bus tour! Im on day 5 of the tour and Im really getting in to it now! I have made a good group of friends and have been laughing pretty much the last few days! We have developed that group feeling of in jokes and banter which and have already created a close bond. The nice thing is that Im meeting more people every day and everyone is just so friendly as we are all in the same situation.

The last couple of days have been particularly good as although the bus tour is good we do seem to be on the move all the time stopping at places either for activities or photos opps. NZ is a beautiful place and there is so much to see and do but it is quite exhausting and the last couple of days we have stepped down a gear and I have had a thermal spa (my kind of travelling), mud baths and found volcanic pools (hot water pools in parks and next to streams) which we have jumped in to. Last night we also went out for dinner and drinks and got chatting till late.

Today we were up at 5am to go to the national park, the plan was to do a 6-8hr hike (i prob wasn't going to do it) but it was cancelled due to the weather. The one disappointment with NZ has been the weather as the storm is still over the island and it has rained pretty much every day (if that make you feel better!). So we checked in to a lodge at 8am and ended up staying here all day...more hot tubs and chilling. Tonight we sat next to an open fire and place Monopoly with a glass of vino which was really relaxing.

So I have managed to gather energy for the next leg of the trip. We go to wellington tomorrow for 3 days and then off to the south island which Im a bit nervous about as its suppose to be even colder! eeeek!

Anyway Im getting in to the groove a bit now and starting to get in to the backpacker mode (been staying in dorms every night now) and more importantly starting to relax and enjoy the experience at last!

Not too many antics as its been more chilled with walks and scenic activities (caves, Tribe nights, spas, waterfalls etc) but give me time :)

Miss you all xxxx