Since we last Spoke...

Since we last spoke, I have climbed a volcano (a dead one), had a tour of the less desirable/most desirable places in Auckland, rowed a traditional Maori Waka (big canoe), had a good soak in a natural hot spa and experienced sandboarding!!!

I am in the Northlands at the moment and the countryside is amazing - every corner you turn there is another picture postcard scene. Apparently the South Island is even better!

I only have time to tell you about my volcano walk at the moment as I have barely anytime left on the internet (you have to put coins in for more mins and I have ran out).

Basically, I didn't really intend to climb a volcano but tried to be spontanous and jumped on a random ferry to a random island, just off Auckland called Ragatutu.

I'd not had any breakfast but thought I'd grab a nice bacon buttie when I reached the island and chill on the beach for the day. These dreams quickly went in smoke when the lady on the little speaker announced that there was no running water or refreshments to be had once we reached Ragatutu. "Mmmm" I thought "this island sounds interesting.". Upon picking up a leaflet, I found I was going to a big volcanic island with nothing on it but an er old volcano!! I was advised to pack a coat, sun cream, a hat, refreshments and sturdy walking boots - I had a hat at least.

Anyway, it turned out to a lovely peaceful walk and I got to see the New Zealand "Christmas Tree" which is a tree with big red flowers on it which blooms at, yes, you guessed it, Christmas.

When I finally reached the top (after a couple of wrong turns) it was like being on top of the world and I pretty much had the view to myself, apart from an Ozzy chap. I walked down to the ferry with the said Ozzy chap who kindly donated me some of his water and listened to me rattle on all the way down.

All together it was a lovely day and guess what - I have just been for another walk just now and bumped into the same Ozzy chap again on a little coastal footpath (Cathedral way)!

I have put a few pics up of Ragatutu island but I can't upload anymore photos from this campsite as they aren't advanced enough to have memory card slots (I'd already started this blog a few days ago but ran out of cash - the best pics haven't uploaded properly so you'll have to wait for those!). I haven't got time to make it look pretty and label everything so they are just at the bottom.

I am apparently camping in the "bush" tomorrow and will have the pleasure of using a "long drop". Which is basically a dodgy NZ toilet.

Will tell you more soon. Hope you are all good.

Apologies for the bad spelling etc but I'm in a rush.

Jo

p.s. I came back from the island minus one hat! It fell off my bag (it had been tied on).