Blogs from Pukekohe, Auckland, North Island, New Zealand, Oceania

Hi everyone, We woke up safe in our freedom camping parking site, this morning we went to the local swimming pool, as it was only $5 and meant we could get a shower!!! We had to drive to the pool but it was only 5 minutes away, once there we had to try and park our 7.2 meter van safely so it wasn’t in the way (never an easy thing). We managed to get a student discount so it only cost us $3 each, yes a bargain!!! I did laps as Vick got into the hot pool, which unfortunately was cold so she headed to the shower while I swam!! After finishing we managed to clean our clothes in the shower room, saves us going to a launderette and we need clean clothes lol!! After the ... read more

After a food and drink fuelled Christmas Day arrived the Rugby match to burn off all the recent good living. Forget six nations, forget World Cup yes today was the all important Northern hemisphere V Southern Hemisphere New Zealand v Wales Rugby game of the year! Such was the importance of the day, Den and Daryl came out of retirement for the occasion, and Cath made her debut for Team Jones. There had been some strong discussion about who should captain the team, some cast doubt on the capability of Carey Jones, suggesting his strategies may not work, but those with faith invested it accordingly, and Carey stepped up to skipper the side full of injury. What would go first? Gareth's foot? Daryls shoulder? Rhydians shoulder? Rhys quiff? Daryls other shoulder? Daryls hip? Daryls Knee? Dens ... read more

It was nice to have a lazyish morning today, and not have to think about getting on the road today. We went into the local town for a look around, and to get some supplies in for the BBQ later today. There was a great fruit store and butchers next door to that, so we got stocked up. We even bought some mince pies but it doesn't feel quite right eating them in the blazing sun. Back at the house we prepped the food for later and the boys went town to join the local gym: 30NZD for 30 days. Us girls went for a run as the good living of the last few days is beginning to take its toll. We went for a run around the park and to the top of the hill ... read more

Alright, a quick update so that my parents have their fears I might be destitute, or have driven off some road, allayed. And hey, maybe an update so my friends don't forget I still exist, somewhere on the other side of the planet :P So after working near Tauranga, and after some spending of money in awesome locations with awesome people (like in Coromandel, maybe I'll post about it later), I was out of money, and without a job. And then came my long, very slow search for a job. And unfruitful one, though given the amount of effort put in, the results were like to be expected. I did finally find a job at a glutenfree bread factory. In fact: the biggest one in NZ (employing during one shift, a grande total of 12 people, ... read more

Friday 19 February - Thursday 4 March 2010 I have had the best time exploring New Zealand! Its such a beautiful country with the most impressive landscapes ever - completely loved it! Me and Narj spent approximately 23 days in New Zealand exploring both North and South Island and here's my summary on the North Island: Our route in North Island consisted of the following: Auckland - Paihia - Whitanga - Rotorua - Waitomo - Taupo - River Valley - Wellington. Auckland We arrived in Auckland on a Friday and had the weekend to explore the city. This was the first time in our journey that me and Narj actually split and went our separate ways as we both had family in Auckland that we wanted to spend time with. So I went off to Pukekohe ... read more