We love this place, yeah yeah

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Well, it's our last night in Auckland, and after five months exploring this fantastic country, we thought we'd better have a round up of all the best bits - take note those of you planning a visit! We have enjoyed ourselves so much here and done so many unique things, it's been unforgettable!

Action and activities:

• Gliding high above Lake Taupo
  
• White water rafting on the Wairoa
  
• Black water rafting at Waitomo
  
• Glacier walking at Fox Glacier
  
• Sea kayaking at Abel Tasman
  
• A geothermal experience on the Tongariro Crossing
  
• Stunning scenery, cruising Milford Sound
  
• Skiing on Ruapehu
  

Flora and fauna:

• No nasty insects or snakes to jump out at you while bush-walking (although there are the ubiquitous sand flies!!)
  
• Amazing scenery from the Southern Alps to the bubbling mud of the Taupo volcanic zone
  
• Birds including three species of penguin, birds of prey soaring above us nearly every day on the road, our friends the tui ("R tui D tui") and grey warbler ("alphabet bird"), the pukeko and kea
  

Cultural bit:

*Maori haka and cultural performance in Rotorua
*Waitangi Treaty Grounds and tribal marae
*Te Papa and Christchurch Art Gallery
*Hundreds of Capt Cook references and memorials


Next stop - Melbourne!

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Photos

North Island
From Cape Reinga to Slope Point, the blue line covers our NZ adventure!

Comments

[J,S,J,E & B]

All the Best for a different sort of Crimbo!
Well, this will certainly been a different sort of christmas guys! You will be in Aus now, and the weather will be al lot warmer and more inviting. We have no snow - but its drizzly and murky (when its not foggy). Weve enjoyed your blogs. Glad to hear you are both keeping well. Christmas has been enjoyable here and the kids are busily learning how to use their 'gadgets'. We are popping to see your mum and dad on Thurs - having lunch and taking pressies etc. Take care - keep safe. Love the Gang from Sproatley xx