They speak English here don't they?

Travelling is SO much easier without a language barrier to take into account....why didn't we try it earlier?!

New Zealand is also incredibly well set up for the wandering backpacker, so getting from A to B, finding accommodation and arranging activities is easy as pie (and there are lots of pies). The ease of doing everything does mean our daily budget went a bit out of the window for the first few days (well I did need a new pair of jeans and Rick fell down One Tree Hill and broke a camera lens!).

We spent a couple of days wandering around Auckland, doing a bit of sightseeing along with the shopping. From there we went up to the Coromandel Peninsula for a wander along the beaches and a stay at the 'Cat's Pyjamas'.

We went in search of sun and relative warmth in the far North of NZ - and had a week in our own 'bach' (cabin) by the sea, having a holiday from travelling and completely cut off from communication with the outside world...well nearly - our mobile phone did pick up some messages.

Sandboarding and swimming with dolphins were highlights of the week, along with Rick's fantastic fire building and unpacking our backpacks for the first time in months! While an amazing experience the whole swimming with the dolphins thing was a bit on the chilly side, despite wetsuits...perhaps an even more enjoyable option in the summer when hypothermia is not such an issue.