NZ Part 1

Finally got an Internet connection again so another 10-20 lines of rambling for anyone who has stayed with us this far.

After being waited on hand and feet by our good friends Sam & Damien at their house near Byron Bay(unashamed plug-go to www.breakawayart.com.au or http://www.emporiumgallery.com.au/HTMS/BreakawayArt.htm to see their work) we are now fending for ourselves again. The flight from OZ to Auckland was quite an interesting one with a very ticked off Alistair and rather a lot of turbulence (landed in a storm).

Quick overnight stay in Auckland (best viewed in rearview mirror according to hotel manager-tend to agree with him) we drove down to Taupo. Now in an apartment with great views of lake, an outside spa pool ( on our balcony) and a feeling we are extras in Channel 4'S "Grand Designs" programme .

Went to see volcanoes etc today but saw a load of mist, rain and even snow! The great thing is that off the main drag there are about as many sightings of other people & cars as Dodos

Problem with card reader for camera but some more photos at http://www.flickr.com/photos/andy_and_mags/(Byron Set)