It is a bit weird as everything is very similar to UK but then I come across something that reminds of the differences. Yesterday driving though an area with lots of orchards, apples and pears I knew they grew but they also grow oranges, olives and avocados.Saw 2 wild parakeets yesterday morning, quite rare on the mainland, so feel quite lucky.... read more

Woke to another stunning sunrise by a beach. Went to Waintangi Treaty Grounds, Harura Falls and Kawaka today. There is lot of controversy regarding the treaty signed by the Maori people and the Europeans, the English translation omits a section about all religions being equal and includes section where the Maori people accept soverinty of the British monarch. The correct interpretatio of the treaty is still being discussed to this day. I liked toilet at Kawaka, see the photos. By the way the roads were more hair raising today, same twists, turns and extreme cambers but on gravel instead of tarmac. Tomorrow I am headjng north towards Kaitaia.... read more

Spent yesterday driving and saw my 1st sheep, quickly followed by several more! My van is called Water Boy, I'm not making it up honest! It is really easy to drive. The roads so far have been up and down and really twisty. They don't bother to adjust the speed limit just add rather extreme camber to the road, it is a bit like riding a roller coaster. Found a great little cafe on roadside yesterday called the Swinging Cow. I did not ask why! They erve a fantastic coffee and toasted sandwich. Then went to a great town called Whangerei which a beautiful marina (or basin as they call it here). Also found out that place names starting Wh the Wh is pronounced as an F. I might actually be able to tell people where ... read more

Arrive safely Wednesday 7am. Quite a journey. For those of you don't know this was my 1st ever flight. I did not tell everyone at work, because I just knew that you make me nervous by telling me horror stories about your worst ever flight. Anyway I really enjoyed the flight, it went without event althought quite a lot of turbulaance on the second leg of my journey, but I slept through most of the flight. A tip for future flights tell them that you require a diabetic meal; much nicer than what everyone else had! Landed at approx 7am yesterday all was well I though, until I spotted a cameraman as I entered the terminal building, yes they were filming Border Control. Not that it bothered me me as I had nothing to worry about ... read more

Travelled down to London yesterday afternoon and had a bite to eat at a really good Italian restaurant before seeing Rock of Ages. I really enjoyed it and would recommend seeing it if you get the chance.... read more