New Zealand Trip

Hi Folks, for those who don't know I went to New Zealand for a fortnight to be with Toni to break it up a bit while waiting for the NZ Immigration Service to decide on my visa. We had a wonderful time and saw quite a lot of the North Island as we were keen to catch up with Toni's whanau/family and friends.

I arrived in Auckland and Toni booked us in at the Duxton, a lovely hotel for the first night. We met up with some old friends and made some new ones and did some sightseeing, shopping and drinking (well I hadn't had Mac's Gold for ages and it was beer garden weather!).

Then off to Tauranga to meet up with Kim, Alisa, Trent and Courtney (sorry Trent, you took the photo!) where we stayed for a couple of days and enjoyed some lovely tikki-touring (sightseeing), parrot spotting and good Kai (food). Went to a lovely craft market by the water with lots of original artwork.

Next we were off to Gisborne, to see Julz, Billy, Donna, Daniel, Stacey, Shane and Nick. We had a lovely BBQ with lots of family there, and our good friend Jude, so it was a great night. Our stay in Gissy consisted of walking on beautiful sandy beaches, shopping, visiting family and eating. It was so nice to see everyone after three and a half years.

We set off to Napier to see Brenda for a night in between and the journey was quite an adventure - we managed to drive over a big iron bar - the car behind us hit it and we ended up changing their wheel for them! We also got lost but found an amazing beach in the middle of nowhere which had a quiet caravan site next to it - great find! Further on we had a look in a wildlife park - it was closing but we did manage to see some wild Kaka (parrots) flying around.

When we eventually got to Brenda's warned that the Karaoke bar (Called, incidently, The Bar 4 Us!), would probably keep us awake until the early hours. I know what you're thinking... no I didn't go and join in!!! We did manage to get some sleep and after dropping Brenda off at school (a good distance from the entrance) we headed for Wellington.

We got to Patty's house and I met Greg for the first time, and spent a few days there so thanks guys! This last stretch also involved a stay in Martinborough at Simon and Brad's Holiday Home, set in the middle of a vineyard, absolutely stunning.

Flight home was fine but long, and when I got back Toni called to say that I'd had my Waiver approved, so we're hoping to hear that I can go back for good in a few weeks time!