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Kia Ora from New Zealand! In lazy, British fashion, it's the only Mauri word I've learnt so far, so don't be too impressed. I've only been here a few days and I'm already realising the majesty of this country's natural environment. Auckland city region is covering in 2 things - boats (known as the 'City of Sails', Auckland has more boats per population head than any other city in the world) and volcanoes. Stretching out to sea are little volcanic clumps everywhere. Naturally, I felt I had to climb a couple, both on Devonport, a quaint little island north of Auckland Bay. Up top, I got an awesome view of the harbour, surround islands and the Auckland skyline, which looks similar to Toronto's - being on the coast and having its own version of the CN Tower. On descending back down, I treated myself to some traditional New Zealand cuisine to take away, and ate my fish and chips watching the sunset over the harbour.

Kia Ora from Kiwi-land

Simon Wadsworth
2006-09-04 18:46:06

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filings, and decent local beer.

After a weekend in Auckland, also staying at a hostel that tries to be hip by placing televisions in the bogs (a slight contrast to Belize) and also seemed to attract a lot of twats, it was up north into Northland and the Bay of Islands. I could easily have spent 2 weeks in Northland (north of Auckland) alone, but unfortunately ironically I don't have enough time. A couple of days was nice though, spent cycling (and err..walking with my bike) over hills along the coast, and sea-kayaking to some nearby islands. It was while kayaking that I decided to 'explore' round an island, only to realise once committed that it was 3 times the size I estimated it to be, and spent the next couple of hours kayaking against a strong headwind back round to the bays. My arm muscles still haven't forgiven me.

I ventured back to Auckland via Whangerei, for just one reason, to visit a 'nearby' cave meant to be full of glowworms. I was told by the hostel owner that it's better to pay for a guide, but you can visit them alone. Ah there we go...a challenge! With my manhood pride at stake, I walked off to the caves...and walked...and walked. 3 bloody hours later I finally found them.

Now it's one thing going with a tour group, on a lit path into a big cave with lots of people surrounding you. That's fine; I'm all for that. But seeing the entrance to these caves down a small gulley of rocks, with a gaping black hole leading to nowhere, and water you can't see to the bottom of, in a dark wood - that's a different story. I nearly decided to turn back, before I remembered my "manhood pride" declorem, sat contemplating for 30minutes, swore profusely, and entered the cave. It took 5 minutes just to get down the gulley, and another 5 to muster the courage to take my shoes off and put my feet into the dark water, worrying what I would be eventually stepping on.

However, ...