Hey everyone!

We are back in Auckland for a few days after heading down to the South Island and checking out Queenstown for the week.

Had heard so much hype about the place, we thought we should check it out.

Firstly, I can understand where the hype comes from. They call Queenstown the Adventure Capital of The World... and that it is. You can do everything there from rafting, bungy jumping, canyon swing, sky dive etc and the list goes on.
However, for those more on a budget, the scenery is absolutely beautiful.
We stayed in the Nomads hostel in Queenstown - recently renovated and rated the best hostel in NZ. While in Queenstown we chilled out, sat opn the beach eating ice creams (alot) went for some very scenic walks, played mini golf on a very cool interactive set-with lights, watched a skateboarding competition, hung out with the locals, watched some live music in Pog Mahones and tested out the teapot cocktails in World Bar. Had a lot of fun and it's a really great place to come and chill out.. or enjoy yourself as an adrenaline junkie.

Auckland
Knowing we only had a few days in Auckland, we have tried to pack in as much as possible. Auckland doesn't have the best reputation and when you tell people you are coming to Auckland, they tend to ask 'why'? Not being put off (and having a flight booked from here to Fiji, we still thought it worth checking out).

We managed to bag a free tour around Auckland with a travel company called Stray. Stray are a travel only service that operates in both the North and South Islands. They also book tours/accomodation for you and like to give you their local knowledge. If we hadn't already been to the places we wanted to, we would have booked to go with Stray.
For the (free) day we had with them they certainly packed in alot and made the day fun and told us lots about the local area.

We started off checking out the Sky Tower and watched a few people jump off of it.
Next we were off to a volcano in the area called Mt Eden. It is actually a live volcano, one of many they have here in Auckland. We stopped up here for a view and saw the city, the Pacific Ocean and the Tasman Ocean. Certainly not something we would have really been able to see without our own mode of transport, so that was great.
Next we were off to a memorial site for a past PM who did a lot for the Maori culture. There was a Maori village in the area, whch we drove by, which was moved many years ago for a visit by Queen Victoria. The villagers were then later asked to move again, but they fought back and camped outside their ground trying to keep their property. Others from all over came to show their support. 220 were later arrested. The Maori people ended up taking the Government to the International court and winning their land back. They are now paid by all the shops that are set up in their ground also and are totally minted!! We saw $7,000, 000 houses! Get in!
After this, we drove down to a local pub and chilled here for a bit with some lunch and chat.
We then checked out the Harbour Bridge and those of us with closed toed shoes were able to walk along it for free, usually costing $20. So we got all strapped in and donned our helmets and set off with some folk about to bungy. We climbed up to the Bungy area and watched a few of them jump, some screamed, then they had to stop as someone had jumped off the bridge and was in the water, cue the ambulance and then headed back down. Overall, we had a wicked day and all for free! So thanks to Stray, and anyone thinking of going with them - I would recommend them after today.. if you're not sure, do the free day tour and check 'em out.

What else we've been up to -
Went inside the Sky Tower and checked out the Casino, not as good as Melbournes.
Eating lots of Sushi and more Ice cream
Checking out Queen Street - as you have to.
Checking out the Harbour and soaking in the views
and we saw Avatar last night in 3D at the IMAX- Awesome film! Would so see it again!

Okay, so that's us.

Will update again when we get to America. Off to Fiji for a week on Thursday - can't wait!
Will be sad to leave NZ as it is definetely a beautiful country but I think the Fiji beaches will help us feel better :)

Love Ro And Tim xxxx