Hi frpm Taupo.

Machine will now allow photos so..................
Travelled south from Rotorau today via another volcanic area called Wai Taupo full of colours, craters and hydrogen sulphide, its the sort of place someone with flatulence could live without having any conscience.
Have 2 days here beside a huge blue lake and lots of hot sunshine. Mountains in the south are snow covered! Just like home...................Hope to cruise the lake tomorrow and perhaps see the local waterfalls.
Bye for now, Phil & Hils

Hello from Rotorua

Having a brilliant time in Rotorua. Did a helicopter ride yesterday which went over an extinct volcano, then we landed in Hells Gate - the earth was bubbling at 112degC - and more it was smelly and quite scary but also fascinating. Today we visited the Buried Village which only happened 160 years ago when a huge volcano erupted. In our hotel room we have fire warnings and earthquake warnings as well. Leaving for Lake Taupo tomorrow.

Lazy days in the Bay of Islands

Having a brill time in this part of New Zealand - the scenery is stunning and there is lots of history in the area. The Treaty of Waitangi 1840 was signed, this established New Zealand as part of the British Empire and the Maoris agreed to it!!! Who got the best deal??? Tomorrow we move on again to the Corumendel area to a place called Whangamata. Weather is still gorgeous.

Hello from Bay of Islands

Picked up our hire car today and have travelled from Auckland to Pahia in the Bay of Islands - it's stunning. The drive was good, lots of twisty, windy roads and quite busy - it's summer holidays in the southern hemisphere of course!!! Just having a little explore to find our bearings, we are here for 3 days so it should be fun.
Having trouble with pictures again. We'll try later............

Hello from NZ

We arrived in Auckland earlier today - it's a really busy, bustly city with loads going on. We are here for 2 nights before we hire our car and then we really start to do our sight-seeing, heading up to Bay of Islands in the north first. Had a great time in Melbourne - would recommend it to anyone.
The weather has been great so far averaging about 25C - not bad for the beginning of January. Hoping to do a cruise around the bay tomorrow and perhaps a bungee jump off Sky City - only kidding - we're not that brave!!

Hello from Melbourne

We are having a great time in Melbourne, it's a fabulous city with lots to do and see. We went up to the top of Eureka which is the tallest building in the southern hemisphere - only 300 metres!! The views were fantastic, we also had a trip down the Yarra river. Yesterday we went up high again on the Southern Star - Melbournes answer to the London Eye.
Thank you for all the cards and messages I've received for my Birthday - it's certainly been different and actually it's not my Birthday yet because we are 11 hours behind UK!!
Sorry we can't put any photos on this time, for some reason the computer wont allow it - we'll try again when we get to New Zealand on Wednesday. The adventure continues............

Bye bye Perth and the family Harrison d'Oz.

This is the Harrison family on New Years Day. 3 weeks have flown by and now it's time for us to fly too. We catch the 13.35 Virginblue flight to Melbourne where we will spend 5 nights - the adventure continues.