Last time we spoke, we had just visited the most Northerly tip of mainland New Zealand and an area of massive Maori importance. Since then we have travelled almost to the other end of NZ and are currently hiding from the rain in one of the worlds highest rainfall areas! How things have changed since we rubbed salt in your wounds as we basked in all that cancer inducing sun whilst most of home struggled to stay afloat in the heavy rain and snow!

Well we'll fill you in quickly on some of our latest exploits. Cape Reinga and the meeting of the Tasman Sea and Pacific ocean was brilliant and the Bay of Islands in all it's sun lapped glory was just as good. Scenic drives along back country roads kept our cameras working over time and allowed Zeus, our big red van, to stretch her legs. Like a nimble footed mountain goat, she delivered us form one scenic view point to the next and down to some truly beautiful stretches of beach. Too important to us and loved too much, we decided not to risk her on ninety mile beach and it's treacherous waves. A couple of days spent swimming, fishing (and in Ryan's case rescuing deadly poisonous Lion fish, from the hook and wrath of Rory and Matthew) and even a spot of rugby. It was a long old jaunt from here down past Auckland and to the farming region of Waikato. Sheep were of course a plenty but sine we are not from Ballymena, we did not come here simply for our fluffy white, four legged friends. Instead, like the flies and moths that go before us, it was the star like light produced by thousands of glow-worms hanging from huge cave systems that lured us here. Even Sir David Attenborough couldn't resist their charm and was drawn here like a weary sailor tempted by mythical sirens! A few hours later we emerged cold, wet and muddy but with memories of floating through caves lit only by twinkling lights. It felt like being on a space ship, zooming through galaxies like spok and Darth Vader.

Our next destination was the smelly town of Rotorua. With a smell of rotten eggs in the air that burnt the nostrils, we left slightly disappointed. Yes the thermal pools were lovely and rivers slightly warm, but the strong sulphur drove us away like Zeus from salt water. Thankfully Zeus got driven south towards the volcanic region of Tongariro National Park. Ryan woke at 7am and tears crept in to his eyes (or maybe it was just condensation from the windows) as the realisation that clouds would once again scupper their plans to experience this incredible mountain range. 2 hours of disappointed and dread filled sleep later, he woke peeping his head out through the curtains to see again a carpet of clouds.....except for a patch of blue sky coming in over Mount Tongariro. As if zapped by an electric cow prodder he jumped into life and dragged the rest of the mottly crew with him. They ventured through thick forest and flodded paths up the mountain side constantly racing the clouds. In the end, they enjoyed wonderful panormaic views of the country side, volcanoes, vents, lava flows and other geological volcanical wonders of the world. The bright turquoise Emerald Lakes and rusty coloured Red crater were unbelievable sights and the rim of the red crater made a nice heated seat that roasted our derriere while we luncheoned like old grannies after a jolly good old knees up.

We returned to our decrepid traveller Gavin, and Zeus promptly whisked us up to the adrenaline fuelled township of Taupo. Located beside the beautiful Lake Taupo our plans were to enjoy the sights while hurtling towards them at over 200 km/h (not quite as fast as Zeus) after jumping out of a plane at 12000ft. Well after a few hours wasted exploring the craters of the moon which was a bad idea, don't go there, we were once again scuppered. This time not by the weather but with less than 30mins before we were due to kill ourselves, the radar broke. For our parents and anyone else who may love us a little, i'm sure this was a blessing, but we were gutted and left Taupo disheartened. On our way to NZ's capital, not Auckland but Wellington, we made a few stops into Palmerston north so Ryan could catch a glimpse of his future education and then an overnight halt in Otaki. Not on most travellers itineraries, this was our best campsite yet. A kind soul had invited us to stay the night and hot showers, room to wriggle our toes and a real proper, mattress laden, duvet covered, bed were most appreciated. We salute you Mary P!

After helping in the morning with the horses and lumber jack duties, we left with a well rested head and some homemade marmalade. What a star. Welly was the home of Gavins one and only desire in NZ. Monkeys, tigers, guinea pigs and Meerkats at Wellington Zoo kept him entertained along with the waitress working in the zoos cafeteria. It was our last night together so to celebrate more room in the van for the remaining 3, and hot showers beds and general comfortable living for Gavin and Chris we hit the town, reducing prime beef steak stocks considerably before enteratining the locals in pubs and clubs throughout Welly. Our last morning together we spent getting lost once again in NZ's best museum the Te Papa.

At 3pm it was the feitful time when paths must split and company part ways. Tears were shed and hugs and kissed passed amongst us but Ryan still lost in Te Papa was nowhere to be seen. He had missed the long goodbyes but luckily emerged in time for the boat. Our sailing across the Cook Strait was thankfully uneventful and 3 hours later we were back on dry land in New Zealands South Island.

Our first day was spent doing the glamorous things such laundry for the first time in weeks, grocery shopping and van tidying. All the things we love to do most. Compared to this a day spent Kayaking in the aqua-marine blue waters of the Abel Tasman National Park, under brilliant sunshine was utterly miserable. Well not quite infact, it rivalled the Tongariro crossing for vistas, photo oppertunities and just good old fashioned fun. We became seasoned naturists spotting different native birds and seals doing the arduous task of sunbathing.

Complete with blisters and sore, tired arms we ventured on to Alpine country and the beautiful Nelson Lakes National Park. While the weather was still kind and we continued on to the amazing West Coast. Once faous for it's gold mining heritage, now mother nature and the amazing creation draws tourists here like bees to a honey pot, or women to a sale or trekkies to a startrek convention. Although yes it is raining on us, this is not uncommon as 263 days a year average a good bit of rain and normally about 5.1m of the stuff falls each year. Still the huge ice cubes that are Franz Josef and Fox Glacier are pulling us away from our computer screens and towards more heavenly sights. Please excuse us rushing off but again blue sky is squeezing through the clouds and we're off to make the most of it. Run run run!

Love you muchly readers