Blogs from Hilltop, Taupo, North Island, New Zealand, Oceania

New Zealand – Taupo, Rotorua and Maketu - All of a sudden I had become chief Plunkett and to celebrate my achievement I rafted the world’s highest commercial white water rapids and then jumped from a plane , just like any normal day really! I’m on the move again and heading to a sleepy little out crop called Maketu for Stray’s Cultural stop, as mentioned previously I’d been advised that this was a waste of time and money so after making numerous attempts at finding alternative accommodation and trying to seek help from Miss P who quite frankly couldn’t give a sh*t I had no choice but to head to Maketu. There is nothing to do there apart from this staged Cultural night and for the pleasure they hit you for $70 to watch it, bargain ... read more

Don't know where Ohakune came from - we're in Wairakei! Got up this morning in Whangamata and it was still raining. Nevertheless,we made use of the hot tub on the (covered) balcony - I felt a bit "Essex"! Then we went to St. Joseph's in Waihi - still raining! Had breakfast and walked around the disused open-cast goldmine (in the rain - as you will see from the pics!). Saw some intersting birds. Then we headed for Taupo via Tauringa and Rotorua - didn't notice the sulphur smell! The Wairekai Resort where we are staying is pretty extensive with a 9 hole golf course,gym,squash court,pool, geothermal spa waters - so we had our 2nd "hot tub" experience of the day (or ever,for me!) A few things planned for tomorrow: Huka Falls,Craters of the Moon,Maori experience. To ... read more

Well what a weekend to be in NZ!!! After a full week in Auckland (probably a little long in a city for this country girl but absolutely worth it for the way it ended!) I topped it off with a trip to Eden Park for the bronze final of the rugby (couldn't afford the $900-plus for the actual final!). The match didn't disappoint - aside from the end result - but the atmosphere was amazing, the weather was perfect and I got some good photos to boot! The scariest moment was soon after kick-off when Shane Williams (my favourite!) was nearly split in half by a crushing tackle. The man must be made of steel to have recovered, but recover he did to score Wales' first try! Just a shame, especially after the final 5 minutes ... read more

Finally found somewhere with WiFi! Where was I? oh yes, Auckland to Hamilton. Jo has very kindly lent us her car for the week so all 4 of us set off at 11:30 am. George driving the first leg. 10 minutes into the journey and a call from Jo made us stop in our tracks. The only job I'd been given by George was to look after the Tickets (3) for the Wales vs Fiji match and I'd forgotten them! Needless to say after many insults we turned round and I collected the tickets. Arrived in Hamiton by 1:30, parked and found the Corner Bar. We had arranged to meet Bex Hayman (sister of Carl, former All Black) and we had a great time watching the first 2 matches on the many TV's (including Georgia vs ... read more

Thursday 25th November 2010 (Waitomo – Taupo) Walking around more caves in the morning helped to wake us up and after a long day on the bus we arrived at the Huka Falls which had an immense force as the water ploughed over the edge and created a really beautiful sight. Joanne was picked up for her Skydive, and managed to get Richard a space to watch. They showed the group a video and we all decided to jump from 15,000ft (even Sharon who was petrified). As Joanne had sky-dived before she decided against the pricy photo/video package and enjoyed the jump even more for just taking in the experience and the views instead of staring at a photographer for the whole of the free-fall. Back on the ground her trusty photographer (Richard) and videographer (Joe) ... read more