Had a great NYE in Paihia, a nice meal in a restaurant on the waterfront and then watched the fireworks from the beach. Didn't end up drinking much, a small disappointment but got back to the tent at 1.30am after which we were woken many times by our disgusting kiwi next door neighbours. loads and loads of young kiwis and backpackers around, there was a liqor ban in place but most people were drinking on the beach anyway. lots of police around.
On New Years Day we drove up to Kerikeri and went for a tramp up to Rainbow falls, where we watched people abseiling off the top and into the water. It was very cold! on the way back we stole 2 oranges which were delicious. the area around there is very Mediterranean and they produce a lot of citrus fruit.
On the 2nd we drove back to auckland the scenic way via a few nice beaches and did some walking.
Today we visited the sky tower - its a really lovely day here today, summer's finally arrived and the views were amazing. watched people do the sky jump off the top which is not a bungy but more like a base jump with a wire attached to you. there are glass panels in the observation deck to look down and some people were clinging to the chairs unable to go near the windows. this afternoon we visted the National maritime museum.
I booked my Stray bus pass today so i am leaving Auckland tomorrow. the first stop is heihei, on the coromandel peninsula, where there are hot water beaches. we reach wellington and then the south island in about 5 days, after visiting raglan to do some surfing, then rotorua and taupo and the tongarirro national park. looking forward to getting back on the road.