So we've been in New Zealand for over three weeks now and boy has it flown by!!! Cheesey and Lyn have come and gone and we had a fantastic time with them. We still have two weeks left here to return to Auckland and try to do all the things we missed out on as we travelled south.

I say it's flown by because we have literally been travelling at a hundred miles an hour (sometimes faster!) going from town to town and from different activity to different activity. Meeting Paul and Lyn at the airport three weeks ago was really exciting and after a nice meal in Auckland and an argument with the laundry lady (don't ask - all I can say is I refused to pay) the four of us headed north to the Bay of Islands. What a gorgeous place. The sea was a beautiful blue colour, the weather was hot and the company wasn't bad either! Following a relaxing afternoon and wonderful dinner the next day we headed south again via the west coast of the north island. The weather was incredible and we spent half the time stopping at remote spots along the way. Some places there was literally no other person within sight and the views along the beaches were amazing. We were informed by the lady at our hostel to stop and see this really big tree and then we should definitely go to a museum where we would need at least one hour to look around.

Okay so the tree was big but slightly over seeing a big tree! and as for the museum - well when Harrow Heritage centre looks more interesting you can appreciate why the accelerator pedal was applied!

The following day was great fun - Rotorua! Follwing Richard's history lesson and subsequent test on the history of NZ with a specific focus on James Cook (fascinating man!), we headed up the chair lift and down the Luge ride - five times!!! (As the advertisment suggests 'once is never enough!'). Basically the track is long, downhill and you fly down as quickly as possible trying to knock a certain South African off the track! Whilst Rich was battling hard with the man with the chin Jen was literally out of sight and flying through the air as she stormed down the track in record time!

Followng the fun and Rich constantly moaning about his hayfever and struggling to cope with losing to a women (although beating the African) we headed to the hot Geyser's of Roturua! After a quick look and refusing to pay the cash required to take a closer look we headed south again to the wine producing region of the north island!

Napier, Hawkes Bay, was hot and stunning and we chose the perfect day to blag free booze from the wineries! - I mean sample the local wines and appreciate the fine bouquet and distinctive taste of the region! Firstly we spent an hour and a half on a tour of the Church winery - basically just torture as all we want to do is drink the bloody wine!!! - Then once the old bloke finished rambling on glasses were grabbed - wine was poured and within two minutes everyones an expert and recognising the 'woody taste' - lots of 'very fruity' and 'I can certainly taste the lime.' Whilst Rich just wanted everyone to shut up so the old bloke could pour the next glass!!!!

After forcing Paul to be the designated driver we headed to a few more wineries for some free sampling and walking out without buying a bottle (apart from Lyn who succumbed to the tempatation and bought two!).

After a good snooze in the car Paul had driven us safely to Wellington - where forgetting he had been drinking all day Rich was left to park the car which involved reversing half the length of the street - no damage done - but let this be a lesson to you - once you force someone to drive whislt you drink, make sure they finish the job and park the bloody car properly!!

Next day was our boat trip to the south island!! An early start for all as we drove to the port and dropped the car only to discover that Rich had left his camera bag at the hostel! Following some nifty manouvres that resembled a racing car driver and some quick feet from the wife we sped back to the hostel, grabbed the bag, then sped via three different routes back to the port where Paul and Lyn were still there and in plenty of time for the boat. No damage done. Jennie subsequently assumed all blame for the incident as Richard would never have forgotten such an important item of luggage!

Once in Picton we met one of Lyn and Paul's friends Megan and stayed with her for the night at a nice house by the sea. Absolutely great views and very relaxing place.

The following day we headed to Abel Tasman where we would start our two day Kayak adventure!! After saying our goodbyes to Megan the four of us assumed our positions in the Kayak and headed out to sea!! Stopping at a number of beaches along the way this proved to be a real highlight of our whole trip! The beaches were stunning, most of the beaches were deserted and we had time to relax and unwind at some of the most beautiful places on the planet! Now the Kayaking wasn't quite as relaxing as the time spent on the beach!

Follwong some encouraging words and teaching advice from the expert (Richard) Jennie chose to ignore all advice and rarely maintaind the appropriate rhythm required to propel the boat in an even and efficient manner! Although we were quicker than the Big Chin and Lyn boat - which might aswell have had a reverse gear on it! (I know - I'm so competitive). But where we struggled the most was in lauching the Kayak into the sea! Now bear in mind the boat was heavy carrying all our stuff for two days (clothes, tent etc) and Rich isn't exactly the incredible Hulk, we literally couldn't push the thing into the water. Whislt Paul (who by the way has been working out! - big time!) would be half way to Australia before we got the boat close to the water. Two launches stick in mind - Rich decided to take the first seat and with the help of a local Jen would push the boat into the water and we would be away. Having got into the correct postion and having put the splash deck on and waiting to be pushed to sea Rich was suddenly hit with what could only be described as a Tsunami! The waves kept crashing into his face and all he could hear was Jen and local saying 'okay wait for the next one(crash)...no the next one(crash)...wait(crash).....'

Then in the afternoon session Rich completely lost it as the elements seemed destined to keep The Clarkes on land. All I will say is that when Cheesey told us later all he could see was firstly the boat spinning around with Rich underneath it. Then two minutes later Rich using the pump to get out the water that had invaded the boat. Apparently our launching efforts were providing much amusement for our friends!!!

Anyway on a serious note the next moring was amazing, the beach was great - see the photos - and it was so peaceful! A truly wonderful place and an unforgettable adventure!

Part two of NZ will follow, hear about Paul and Rich jumping out of planes, Jennie walking on a glacier in shorts and how much fun camping with a women obsessed with her hair can be!!!!! - Love to you all - Catch you later!!