Auckland

At the moment I am sat watching the sunset and its so gorgeous here. I’m basically in the middle of no where, 35 minutes north of Auckland in what’s classed as Northland, in a little village called Stillwater. The views are amazing and have the ultimate Wow factor. It’s just so stunning and I just can’t help myself but to say wow! The closest place you’ll find on the map to where I am is Silverdale and I’m near the Hauraki Gulf coast line.

For those who don’t know why I’m in the middle of no where, I’m staying with Ian Wilson and his family, who moved out here about 3 years ago. The house is gorgeous and it’s sat on the top of the hill at the end of the road, I’m sat in his Dads music room and the views are so beautiful. They have a balcony on the front of the house and I swear you can see for miles! Down to the river where the boats are and over looking the forests. Gina and Pete have been great since I got here and have given me loads of help etc for my trip.

The plan as it stands is to stay here until Wednesday and then I’m flying down to Dunedin, I’ll spend a few days there before heading north to Christchurch to start my 13 Kiwi Discovery tour on Sunday. The tour takes me down to Queenstown, Milford Sound, Lake Ohau then up the West Coast to Fox Glacier then on to Nelson, over to Wellington and then back up to Auckland stopping in Taupo and Rotorua. Its going to be a full trip with loads to see and I’m so excited. Then I have a week left in New Zealand before I head to Japan. Ian’s taking some time off from his busy life as snow boarder! And planning on taking me to hit the slopes… this will be interesting! Think hes going to have to take me to work with him and give me some lessons at the Snow Planet otherwise ill spend my last week in New Zealand on my bum!

So what have i been up to since i arrived on Wednesday night?! Well it was safe to say Wednesday night was a late one but that was to be execped. Dont think i meant it to bed before 2am, just chatting about the old days with Ian and catching up on each others lifes etc. It was really nice. The next day Gina took me into Browns Bay via their old house to sort out some money and a New Zealand phone card. I learnt something at least from being in Oz that it was essential to have a local number as its so much cheaper! After we'd sorted things out in Browns Bay we headed up to Wenderholme Regional Park to meet Pete and Ians Grandmops, Gladis. Pete was playing around in his kayak while Gladis was relaxing in the sun. But by the time we arrived Pete had already finished and was getting changed. The beach was gorgeous, it looked out over the Gulf and was just so stunning. Gladis over the last 3 years has been collecting shells from the beach so we picked out some unique ones and brought them back from her. Apprently shes filled part of her garden with a shells! Gladis has come out from 3 months between March and May since Gina and Ian moved out here. Anyway, it was a lovely day out and i got to meet their lodger John when we got home and had dinner. John arrived about 3 weeks ago and is in the process of moving out here with his family. He had to come out and start working for the local council and left his wife and 2 little boys back in Essex's area while the house sale goes through. Really nice guy which i think grew up where Pete did and theyre old family friends.

Friday, Pete took me and Gladis up the coast again. We were going to get the boat from Sandpit and go see the bays before heading to Kawau Island but the rain put us off. Pete decided it would be better to go on the boat while it was sunny so we left. 5 minutes later when we were stood on Brick Bay beach the sun came out and it was gorgeous, same we'd aready missed the only boat! But nevermind. We continued to head up the coast stopping at Ti Bay, which was a gorgeous little spot perfect from kayaking and there was a lovely little walk you could do around the bay. We went so far before deciding to turn back. Then we tried to visit another regional park but it was closed for pest control so Pete took us to Leigh! It definately was nothing like our Leigh... it was a lovely little village with loads of character. It was too early to stop from lunch at the Sawmill Cafe so we headed down to Pakiri and wandered on to the beach from a little paddle and look at the views. I know I keep saying it but it was so lovely. Lunch was fantastic and the local brew went down a treat. I tried their dark ale and a pale larger which i think was called crystal. It went perfectly with my Mexican Prawns and thats all that mattered. I didnt see much of the "exciting" route home as i fell alseep after another later night with Ian but apprently we went down some really untame roads! But i didnt notice.

Saturday afternoon the girls had a little run up the bays to Devonport and went up to what i think was called North Head Regional park which is at the top of a really steep hill. The 360 views were lovely, just a shame the sun wasnt shining down on the city. You could see all the way back up the bays to where the house is, to the heart of the city to further round the gulf. Devonport itself is very similar to Manly really but without the surfers! Same feel to it which loads of lovely place to eat and people watch and apprently the houses are really expensive and is a really trendy area. Its a popular area from city slicker who commute everyday on the ferry just like Manly.

Todays been a really chilled out day, me and Ian have had a run out and ive set him a challenge to find me a really Mr Whippy 99 ice cream after he gave me some chocolate which just tasted like the raspberry sauce on a flake. Yum!

Anyway, Ill keep you updated as much as possible and for anyone who needs to get in touch with me I now have another phone number! A New Zealand number… 0064 211602225.

Love you xxx

On the move again...bye Australia!

Wow! I can’t believe I’m leaving Australia today! It feels like just yesterday, Jim and Amy were picking me up from the airport etc, definitely not 4 months ago. I have to say thought, it didn’t seem to be going that fast at the time, but looking back about everything I’ve done and achieved over the last 4 months… I’m impressed.

I’m so excited about moving on to New Zealand and seeing something completely new but at the same time I’m really nervous and I guess a little gutted to be leaving. I’m so ready to leave Australia etc but I will miss it and everyone over here. The Bromley’s residence as been like home for me over the last few months and I’ve got the same butterflies I had before I left England. Its like going completely solo again, which I guess I’m not as I’m going to see and stay with Ian and his family for a few days. But it’s not the same as family.

I’m so very grateful for everything Kath and Jim have done for me… but especially Kath. Not only has she done the obvious for me and giving me a place to stay and feed me etc no questions asked, but she’s bend over backwards to make sure I have a fantastic trip. Whether it be being able to use a car, helping me out when things have gone wrong such as my rail pass and being able to use the phone and internet to stay in contact with home. She’s followed me very step of the way and helped me out whenever she can. And especially a big thank you for letting me and Gaz have Avoca for those few days. We had a fantastic few days, so thank you from both of us.

Well all my bags are packed and I’m ready to go…so I’ll talk to you again on the next stage of my trip with only 7 weeks to go. I also can’t believe that in 4 weeks on Sunday I arrive in Japan and Nessa will be there…(or coming to meet me as I understand that 6.45am is very early especially as Vicki isn’t due until around 10ish). I definitely think this trip is going to end on such a high, so thanks girls for agreeing to the madness which is coming all the way to Japan to meet me for a girlie trip!

Love you xxx