Kia Ora from Auckland

Hey guys, We made it to New Zealand, finally. And man is it hot here!!

Our journey was pretty straight forward. We had a night flight so i thought i'd get some sleep and wake up all refreshed for a new day in Auckland. However, still being 6 foot 3 (I was kinda hoping spending some time in Japan might shrink me) there was no chance as i still had my bloody knees around my ears! So never slept but did manage to watch 6 and a half films!! Air New Zealand have wicked little entertainment systems on the seat backs. You can watch tons of movies, TV, listen to a huge selection of music or play videogames to while away the tedium. As we flew in to Christchurch on the south island we had spectacular views of the southern alps and the stark contrasts of the greens and yellows of dormant pastures. It was beautiful.

We only had a brief stopover in Christchurch but it gave me enough time to purchase my first (and new favourite) thing in NZ. It was a Flight of the Conchords t-shirt which says "Eat. Sleep. Folk." It's way cool!!

We got back on the plane for the brief flight up to Auckland. From the plane you could really see the differences between the north and south islands. The area around Auckland is very green with lots of hills and lakes. We got all our baggage (hurray!) and went and got our complimentary bus into the city. We got off the bus and had a short walk to our accomodation on Gore street in the heart of downtown. We got quite a few strange looks. I mean who wouldn't? Two people lugging skis down the street in 25 degree weather.

We got to our room and damn near collapsed from exhaustion. We are not snobs but i am so glad we didn't do the hostel thing. It was so nice to have our own, modern, well equipped (We have a washing machine/dryer and a swish little dishwasher) little space and not have tons of people around to bother us. Ah, the shower i had when i get unpacked nearly made me jizz in my pants (sings the Lonely island song which i hope you have all seen on Youtube by now!?), it was that nice. The views over the city are pretty good too. We settled in then decided to go out for a drink and get a few bits from the supermarket. Kate also got her phone unlocked and a new sim. I imagine she will email you her new number.

We got a few bits and bobs then headed back to dump it all in our apartment. We then hit the bright lights of Auckland. I was amazed that i was able to move as i hadn't slept for about 30 hours but i managed to lift a few pints to my mouth when we stopped at the Fat Camel bar across the road from us. Well, i say a few pints. It was happy hour when we got there and they had footy on the TV. 4 bucks for a beer (about £1.70) so we decided to spend the night and omit the need for food. Got talking to these old dudes from Taranaki and they insisted on taking us out for a fishing trip on their boat when we go down that way. Also met a few german girls who actually had a sense of humour!! They laughed at my jokes and everything. I reckon it was because they had already been here for a while and had become de-germanized. Got chatting to an english girl too who had only been here a week and already knew half of Auckland. Not sure if that means she's really friendly or that she's a slut? She was from south east London so probably means she's a slut. Nah, she was lovely and didn't seem to notice me ripping the piss out of her "souwf" London accent. Ended the night in pain though as we all played the box game. All you had to do was pick up a decreasingly small cardboard box off the floor with your mouth, without using your hands or putting your knees on the floor. I lasted two rounds. Being so tall and not even remotely bendy, i sucked. Kate faired one round better before all the young flexible girls and boys took over. By the final round there were still several people who picked up tissue paper without there hands or knees touching the floor. They had a playoff and the winner was the first to bend over and pick up a shot of Absynthe then down it. Not even sure what the winning prize was or who actually won as it all got a little blurry. Good fun though.

Needless to say we woke up with hangovers this morning. I hadn't realised it but it appears our room has been moved from the 15th floor and repositioned on the surface of the frickin sun!! It is roasting today. At least 30 degrees. So different from last week where we were in -7 degrees. Feels weird wearing shorts and flip flops, or jandals, as they call them here. I got my new sim today and didn't need to unlock my phone which saved me a few bucks too. I will email you all my number so you can text me whenever you want. Just remember we are 13 hours ahead of you though.

We are busy trying to sort out hire cars and arranging viewings of campervans but i'm sure we will then start doing the touristy thing and start posting pictures and all that.

Chat soon guys.

D

XXXX