S'All Over Bar The Flying ...

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A few minutes to spare before we head off to enjoy a glass of champagne overlooking Auckland harbour (how else to kill time before the cab arrives?).

In true NZ style - we've had a great time here in Auckland. Lovely hotel - overlooking the harbour and the north side of the city (Devonport to you).

Our wake up call this morning were Dragon Boat Races - this translates to boats full of fit young things heave/hawing their paddles up and down the quay in narrow long boats while man with mike commentates excitedly ... clock radio will never seem the same again.

Our final days have entailed lots of lazing in bars/cafes. Had a very entertaining Brazilian Barbeque on our first night - 'eat as much as you can' and so we did. Won 9-6 in the end (that's nods versus refusals to the many meat dishes that passed our way).

Also have done the obligatory tourist tings - taking in the sights and sounds and perusing the shops (girls have gotta do...). Took a ferry (how brave?) across to Devonport today so that we could climb up and around two extinct volcanoes (not quite Tongariro but nice all the same) taking in 360 degree views of Auckland city. Well worth the mini-hike.

But enough already, you've heard far too much from us, far too often these past weeks and must be suffering from blog-overload. I think we are. Having thought long and hard (for at least five minutes) we reckon we can surmise our holiday as follows:

(Vaguely) Useful NZ Holiday Observations:
* Excellent coffee and cakes - probably the best we've ever had

* Scenery is far more stunning than our dodgy digital pics can do justice - for once breathtaking is an apt description

* The people have all been most friendly - barely met a single grump (with the exception of our last B&B hostess)

* There's more been more beef than lamb - whether on plate or in field - the rumours are just that. Even got to see lots of Belted (not George) Galloways - which made us smile ;o)

* Pavlova as 'national pudding' is also a big nasty rumour. We didn't have/find a single portion. Fortunately, since they're soooo easy to make (not our quote) we shall look forward to eating several very soon ... ;o) again

* Tis expensive here. With the exception of food, which is not only better but cheaper - everything else is pretty much London prices

* Toilets are very clean - yes mum, even public loos. We stopped off at the world famous (that's what they say) Hundertwasser toilets in Kawakawa on the way back from the Bay of Islands and dutifully paid our respects. Intriguing place. Strange man.

(Not-So) Useful NZ Holiday Statistics:

• Mosquito bites: Natalie 2 Kate 0 ... Sandfly bites: Natalie 4 Kate 18 (landslide victory). At this point we'd like to thank our sponsors, Marmite, for the relatively low numbers given our antics/locations over the past five weeks
  
• Co-ordinated kit/matching uniform moments (most - barring wetsuits - caught on film): 5
  
• Boat trips: 15 (survived: 14)
  
• Planes jumped out of: 1 (to date)
  
• Kilometres driven: 4900 and something
  
• Local wines tasted: 21
  
• Local beers tasted: 7
  
• Cakes eaten:

Far too many memorable moments to mention, and besides you've practically lived them all with us. Look on the bright side, if we dare to go on too much about the holiday when we see you, you'll be able to utter 'yeh I know' in Andy-type-fashion.

So anyways, thank you all for coming. It's been our pleasure, really! Big thanks especially to those that sent us comments and mails - grand to receive/read. Hope you enjoyed reading our antics even a squit as much as we enjoyed having them.

Looking forward to catching up with you all very soon.
Abyssinia!

Love
Nat & Kate xx

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Photos

Cheltenham Beach, Auckland
Certainly beats Cheltenham High St, UK. Whiled away some time here on our last day ...

Great Bunch of Kiwis
Just some of the lovely kiwis we've had the good fortune to meet along the way ...

Auckland City Skyline
Obligatory photo but less than dynamic quality - blame the weather/camera/operator

Rangitoto Island
Taken from Mount Victoria on Devonport -Rangitoto is just one of many volcanic islands around Auckland. Not so sure about the 'shrooms - hobbit hideouts?

Proof that we took our own clothes on holiday ...
Self Portrait #27 - playing with the 'timer' option on an extinct volcano - running round like looney tunes much to the amusement of (ourselves and) passer-bys - it's all in a day's work...

Comments

[Fred]

Come back! All is forgiven!

[Pat (Pam's friend)]

Hi Girls After reading all your Blogs!!! what a great time you have had oh to be 30yrs younger and have the great experiences that you have had. Daniels reaction to the picture of Natalies sky dive was WOW!!!!!! he thought that it was great even though he has a thing about heights. Pam was so excited each time she heard from you both what a lovely way to keep in touch it was as if she was almost there with you!!!!!.Well done for all those achievements and I for one look forward to your next adventure. Patxx.

[Graham]

Sharing
It is a privilege to share your obvious enjoyment of your adventures. Thank you. LL