New Zealand

Hello all. I'm wet. I'm so wet I can't ever imagine being dry, and the rain isn't about to let up any time soon either! I've also overheard that the roads back to Auckland are flooded - so getting home might be interesting!

I got to New Zealand with no real problems. The clocks went back over here at mid night and I was so paranoid about not waking up for my flight that I stayed up after midnight to adjust my alarm and was exhausted when I had to then get up at 5.30am (the other in my dorm got back at 5.00!). So onto Auckland. I don't think much of it, so I'll skip it - but then as someone pointed out, I have been spoilt with the cities I've been in recently.

I spent the rest of Sunday and then also Monday sorting things out. Phoning Eve, looking at places to go, booking my coach etc. Eve suggested that I go north to make the most of the end of the summer first. North of Auckland is supposed to be an amazing place, with beaches, forests, dolphins etc. But it started to rain on the coach ride up, and it is still going now (did I mention that I'm wet?). We went to a Kauri forest on the west coast(2nd largest trees in the world to the red woods... one is 2000 yrs old and enormous). But only 2% of the forest is left- as the wood is so straight and beautiful that the early Europeans cut it all down for export. Which we learnt about in the museum of the trees and forests.

Then we stayed in Paihia, The Bay of Islands. I met up with Rachel and Alex in the evening. I don't think I'd see them again after HK, but it was lovely to catch up and see if we all thought our trips were how we expected them to be then! Another familiar face so far from home, the world is getting smaller!

The next day another early start and a 500km return trip to the most northerly point of the North Island. You visit more trees, still big, and then drive up the 90 mile beach. Actually 90km, but the Kiwis don't mind that - everything here is the biggest or greatest, or first (in the Southern Hemisphere normally). It was quite something driving up the straight beach for ages, but then the sand covered the windows and stuck to the windows - so no looking out the window anymore even! Then for body boarding down the giant sand dunes. But with no change of clothes I didn't fancy sitting for another 7 hrs on the coach covered in wet sand, all that way not to do it. I got really wet anyway at the next stop anyway! We got out to see the two oceans meeting at the cape, but couldn't see anything for the rain/mist. We therefore got out to try and get below the rain. Big mistake. Not even the 'famous fish and chips' we had on the way back made up for sitting in wet socks!

Saw R and A again and had a moan, they aren't happy either - as its R's birthday on Friday and she won't get to swim with dolphins if it doesn't let up! Didn't sleep too well with the rain on the roof and wind trying to take the windows out! I did get up today half hoping my boat trip would be cancelled - and it was. So no dolphins or whales for me - just a misserable jog slipping in my flip flops miserable getting to the Internet cafe (worked out its easier to go around in shorts and sandles, as they dry quickers that trous and trainers). Left all my CDs in the left luggage when I checked out this morning - so can't even use this time to upload photos! I hope it lets up soon as I'm back to Auckland tonight to get a coach down to meet Eve tom. The first day i feel as thought i have wasted so far! Time for tea and biscuits I think.