So now we're back and the cold and work are making an unwelcome return to our lives. At least we'll always have this blog to look back at and remember what we did. No doubt the trip was the most amazing of our lives but what were the highlights? Most amazing scenery: Milford Sound. No doubt. Best activity: Kayaking in the Abel Tasman - so peaceful, so beautiful Best hike: Tongariro crossing - amazingly tiring Best campsite: Aspiring Park, Wanaka - good view, great facilities, comfy lounge Funniest moment: Loz catching a prawn in Taupo - and the hysterical reaction Best meal: Kangaroo loin in Iguacu, Auckland (closely followed Dim Sum in HK) Biggest buzz: Luging - most fun on a piece of plastic Best city: Auckland, by a mile Best Island: South, for sure And ... read more

It was yet another long drive to get down to Auckland but first of all to get the best view across to the city we popped along the North Shore peninsula to 'delightful Devonport'. And yes it was delightful. Deserted white beaches, an oldy worldy feel and a smart looking selection of shops and restaurants. Oh, and the most incredible view across the bay to Auckland. We decided that Devonport would be a perfect place to live. Next: Parnell, our base for the night. Another very livable suburb with a village feel, smart bars, enough restaurants to shake many a stick at, galleries, boutiques and grand apartments. So it was a slightly sad goodbye to the Jucy Cruiza and a warm welcome to a hotel room and our own bathroom! Actually, it was way too hot, ... read more

It was a grey and drizzly start at the lovely green campsite but we set out into Rotorua hopeful that things would improve. After a short potter around the centre (before anything was open!) the sun started to come out and we headed out of town to find the Skyline Centre. By the time we arrived it was another scorcher and we were one of the first in the car park so we headed up the mountain in the gondola after purchasing our 3-luge ride tickets and went straight off on the 'scenic route' track. Well there might have been some scenery around but there was no chance to look out at it as we hurtled down the mountain round hairpin bends and through tunnels not two inches from the ground on what was basically a ... read more

We had heard much about the Tongariro crossing walk before coming here. “The best full day walk in NZ!”, “Amazing!” So we had to do it. That was why we drove the four and a half hours from Wellington to Whakapapa village through what could only be described as some of the dullest scenery in NZ (“It just looks like England..” was Loz's remark) and some dreary backwater towns where they hadn't even heard of latte let alone make it (and to think we got some on a deserted beach in Abel Tasman...) We were hoping the scenery in the Tongariro National Park was going to be worth it. And it was. Once the sun came out and we had climbed for hours and hours... The day itself started at eight with a short coach ... read more

We were sad to leave the lovely Abel Tasman behind but onwards and upwards (well Eastwards) we went (along some very windy roads) towards the Marlborough region: home of excellent Sauvignon Blancs - Daz's favourite (always good coming to a country which specialises in your two favourite wines - Sauvignon Blanc and Pinto Noir). We stopped off for lunch in Havelock - the green lipped mussel capital of the world (so it claims) - and we were wowed by the taste and incredible size of our Thai Green Curry Mussels at the Mussel Pot. Arriving in Blenheim we wondered where everyone one was. It seemed like a bit of a ghost town. Then we realised we had lost track of the days and it was Sunday (not that it makes much difference to us). So we ... read more