Tour day 4 - Waitomo to Rotorua (via bondage bunnies)

Woke @ 7am. Staggered to breakfast at about 7.45. Bags about 8.20. Some of the black water rafters went now, so the rest of us had to fill in time as best we could.

Went online, then walked to see the Angora rabbits. They are enormous big white fluffy beasts that get shorn about every 3 months. We watched one being done. They strap them down and stretch the rack to take the wrinkles out of their skin, and turn them periodically to get at whichever side they want. It was one of the most bizarre things I've ever seen. We had a coffee, and then finally we were ready to go.

Had lunch after being on the road for about 10 minutes (ie @ 11.45?!?). Kept on after that to the Agrodome outside Rotorua. They have a little 'critter walk' and a chocolate house and a few other things. We saw a show about sheep breeds, shearing, cows and milking, and sheepdogs, which was pretty good. Leif showed his spots by getting a beer.

Drove another 9 kms to Rotorua. Yes the smell is feral. Saw a bit of the city before going to the Rotorua branch of the Kiwi-Paka. The thermal pool is cool, but I'll wait until after dinner to go in.

Went to the Lake Plaza Hotel for the Hangi dinner. The dinner was nice and the lamb and potato was cooked traditionally, but it was a bit tacky, and the Maori concert had some good singing and information, but ended on a Stevie Wonder song?!? 'I just called to say Kia Ora'. Yuck!!

Came back to hotel 9.30 and went in the hot mineral pool. It was great but a bit overwhelming after a while.

Went to the bar afterwards for a vodka, but the bar closed at 11pm. Went past the pool and had a pretty good chat with Leif who was in there. He got out just before midnight and we chatted some more. Found out today (Wed) that he loves 'pluggers' just like James does.

Tour day 3 - Wellsford and Waitomo

Woke 6.30am (ouch). Breakfast was @ 7am (yummy coffee, eggs, bacon and toast again) and we had bags on the coach @ 7.30.

Set off  @ 7.45 into the nicest day we've had yet. Through lovely rolling green hills and lots of cattle and sheep. It was so warm on the coach that I was finally down to one layer - yay!!

We stopped briefly at Wellsford (which is an anagram (?) of the first letters of the names of the founding families of the town) before heading back to Auckland. Weather still good.

I had sushi for lunch and bought a ski parka. I would have liked to go up the Sky Tower but didn't have time to do everything.

We picked up 20 new people and drove on again (still in great weather) to Waitomo. We arrived at the 'Kiwi-Paka' which is actually fantastic, dropped our luggage off and went to see the glow worms in the caves.

Walking through the caves themselves was awe-inspiring enough, especially since they have weddings and concerts in the 'cathedral' which is a perfectly shaped (acoustically) dome, but we then got into boats and drifted under the glow worms themselves. It was pretty amazing, especially the feeding lines they send down to catch their prey.

We walked back to the hotel, took some photos, got some snacks, walked up to Waitomo hotel, took some more. Waitomo Hotel is a wonderful grand hotel, built in 1909 and added onto in 1928.

We then went to the Tavern, had a drink, and then we all hung around getting very hungry. Dinner was finally at 8 o'clock and it was some pretty special gourmet pizza and salad. Woops, almost forgot the complimentary sparkling wine beforehand - cheap but not bad.

Went back to the Tavern after dinner for another drink and a party. Met Leif, a country boy from Taree who's worked in Narrabri. The similarities between him and James are uncanny. The same tight jeans, the same boots, the same (possibly perceived) drinking capacity, the same belief they can back up nights indefinitely and the same impression of their effect on women.

Tunes on the jukebox, games of pool, lots of laughter - good night. I sent James a message to say I'd found his twin, and quite incredibly, he replied, saying that he'd just got a new hat, and asking if I was having a good time. Funny.

Went to bed around midnight.

Tour day 2 - Cape Brett and Waitangi

Woke @ 7.30. Breakfast @ 8am -> eggs, bacon, coffee - mmm. Walked down to Paihia to the wharf to get the cruise to Cape Brett. Left 9am.

Saw dolphins and brown fur seals. Went through the hole in the rock on Motukokako Island which was very cool. Past Cape Brett lighthouse, which is also very cool.

Went on Urupukapuka Island for a walk up the hill and a snack, and a walk on the beach. Then back to Paihia. Trip was great, had lots of sun and a lot more warmth than yesterday.

Had fish and chips for lunch, and then walked up to Waitangi with Lydia, Arno and two guys - from Germany (Andreas) and Belgium (Wem). We didn't pay to get in so sat @ the cafe for a while.

Rain and really cold wind started when we started to walk back but when we got back it was sunny and hot again. So we had an ice cream.

Walked back to hotel and lay down for a while and saw the news which talked about the blizzards and floods and closed roads etc.

Went to dinner in town and had a very yummy pizza. Came back to watch the start of the footy grand final. Headed back to room 10.45.

Tour day 1 - Auckland to Paihia

Hello Contiki! Woke @ a very pleasant 9am. Had breakfast in hotel 9.30. Went for a walk down Queen St to the wharf and met Yukiko and Kristy. Bought lunch @ Subway. Packed up and checked out @ 11am and went to pack the coach. Got away @ 12pm.

Drove north and stopped @ Kauri Pauri Park to see some huge 700 year old trees. Kept on to Paihia. It is very cold here. Went for a walk down the main street and bought some souvenirs. Back to hotel to settle in and went to the bar for drinks. Dinner was @ 7.30 and was nice - buffet. Went out to karaoke bar afterwards and had a drink. I got up with a group to sing Twist and Shout and totally messed it up - I couldn't find the right key.

Back to hotel @ 11.45, which became 12.45 due to the advent of daylight saving. Hope it warms up a bit tomorrow.

To New Zealand!

Woke at 5.10am when Dad came in after the alarm decided not to work. Weather was cold, windy and rainy. Did last minute check of luggage, decided I had it all and Dad and I set off to Aeropelican.

Got there @ 6.05 for a 6.30 flight to Sydney. Met Helen Bryce (from work) there. Flight was awful, I was sick. Helen looked after me.

After a long line up, checked in for flight to Auckland. Was going to join Helen in Qantas club but ran out of time. Went through international clearance @ 9am. Flight boarded about 9.15. Took off late.

Flight was OK - I kept my eyes closed for most of it. Ate a little bit. There was a bit of violent turbulence a few times, but didn't last long. Felt a bit yuck when I opened my eyes and got off plane.

Took a while to get through passport control and collect baggage. Got a shuttle bus to Airedale Hotel in the city - $20. Hotel v. flash. Met Toni, who I'm sharing a room with. Had a nap for an hour and a half.

Did the pre-tour meeting @ 6.30 and filled in the paperwork. Went to get dinner at Sky with Toni. Early night for me - late start tomorrow - woo hoo!!