20th December 2003: BAY OF ISLANDS
I took a trip along 90 Mile Beach to Cape Reinga, the most northern point of New Zealand,where the waves of the Pacific Ocean and Tasman Sea smash into each other. Watched some people sandboard down the dunes, but decided I didn't fancy the look of the large puddle at the bottom which a number of them ended laying face down in! Indulged in some Kumara chips - I wish we could get these back in the UK - they are delicious!

21st December 2003: BAY OF ISLANDS TO AUCKLAND
Had a walk up to the treaty house to see a huge Waka (Maori canoe). An afternoon drive back to Auckland. I arranged to meet up with Shona who I had been working with at the National Women's Hospital and went back to her parents house for dinner and a final farewell.

22nd December 2003: AUCKLAND TO ROTORUA
Leaving Auckland via the Bombay Hills, we headed to one of New Zealand’s most famous attractions, the Waitomo Caves. The caves were a little flooded so not all of the activities were going on. I opted for a sedate boat ride and was overwhelmed when we went into the glowworm cave - I have never seen anything like it, it was beautiful. Stopped off to see some Angora rabbits but was unable to see one being shawn which was a shame. Then it was on to "Boiling Rotorua", New Zealand's thermal wonderland.

23rd December 2003: ROTORUA
Morning sightseeing of Rotorua, then to the Whakarewarewa Maori Village where we learnt of the Maori lifestyle, history and customs. Saw geysers, steam and mud pools bubbling away due to the heat from the earth and it wasn't even a hot day, in fact it was raining! We witnessed traditional wood carving techniques before enjoying a Maori concert followed by a typical Maori meal known as a"hangi" where the food is cooked underground by the heat of the earth. Various activities were on offer during the afternoon and I decided I wanted to go "Zorb-ing". I climbed inside an inflatable bubble, got strapped in and went rolling down the hill head over heals. I then decided to try a wet zorb where I again climbed inside an inflatable bubble, added some water and then went sloshing down the hillside like a huge washing machine. We finished our day with a scenic gondola ride at Mt Ngongotaha followed by some awesome downhill luge rides.

24th December 2003: ROTORUA TO WELLINGTON
First we went to the raging waters of the Huka Falls and the Wairakei geo-thermal area, before reaching Lake Taupo, New Zealand's largest lake. We then traveled past the very active Mt Ruapehu before we reached the nation’s capital, Wellington. Tonight we went to a local restaurant for a special Christmas Eve dinner. We stayed up to see Christmas in before heading back to the hotel.

25th December 2003: WELLINGTON TO NELSON
Christmas Day! A few small presents were exchanged. I ended up with a pack of New Zealand playing cards. A guided tour of Wellington then started our day. We went to the top of Mt Victoria before having chance to look around the "Te Papa" Museum. Later we boarded our inter-island ferry and crossed the Cook Strait and the scenic Marlborough Sound before arriving at the South Island.