New Zealand - Auckland

Well, after another good nights flying -with no sleep - we arrived somewhat knackered and delerious in Auckland. We managed to pick up the hire car - Janine originally named it the Hulk but we've now called it the Mean Green Machine. Tony will be jealous, it's an XF...well, the registration is anyway! Only 176,000 km on the clock. We had to walk round it to find those bits not knicked and scratched and mark them on the hire form!

We pretty much found our hotel with minimal effort though couldn't check in so went to the Bluestone Rooms on Tony and Sheila's recommendation. Beautiful! Fizzy but refreshing beer...lovely food as well. (I'm not listing prices...) We eventually got checked in and went for a power nap. I left J9 to it after a while and wandered round (and round and round) until finally got back. My sense of direction must have gone the same way my sleep has. Pleased I did mind as it was a lovely sunny afternoon.

Finished the day drinking in Bluestones again - we didn't bother with dinner as lunch had been so big. Met a Birkenhead bar manager who introduced his sister and friend. They led us a little astray.

Following morning -thankfully throwing it down (and me not doing the opposite) - we didn't do much. Janine made me go up the Skytower though - great views of the incoming clouds but I didn't half feel queasy! Afternoon was just chilling before meeting my old school pal Chris (Frame) and Helen. Was good to say hello and be shown some more sights - including a quality recommendation for breakfast the following morning - Ronnie's. Also a popular spot for sparrows. They're clearly much brighter than those in the UK as generally use the door rather than throwing themselves at full tilt into a window!

Then we hit the road...scenic route up to Bay of Islands.