All smiling having survived the cave with no scratches!

The path back over the cave and down was a lot more treacherous then the dark, dank cave itself. What is it with this country and all the exposed tree roots?

So Sir, if trees don’t take your fancy we can try a hard rock instead? There are plenty here for us to break *wink*

*As if you could out run me!!*

Next we took a trip to Whangarei falls, and PE literally took a trip..right over the edge. Not into the water *phew* but I thought for a minute I’d lost him. Thankfully I had a prodding/grabbing device in the form of an umbrella. It took twice as long to recover him since I was laughing so much at Keri laughing at me.

I…can..just about…reach *stretch* though he looks dead, I may be too late

 *stab stab stab* Noooo I am trying to save him!! ..honest *innocent*

We did eventually make it down to the falls in one piece after completing the rescue attempt *shakes head*.

Sooo pretty

PE admiring the views from the safety of the bank cause jeez the little dude is accident prone…what?! o.0

We hung around for a bit admiring the natural pretty and hunting for photo ops and as per took waaay more pictures then strictly necessary.

This is no sound stage Miss Hardwick. Taking notes? Good

Back at the top of the falls, we all got back to the car dry – WIN!!

*sigh*it is our last full day here tomorrow, and I’m starting to feel sad as I type this (interrupted only by my constant need to pee from far too much coke). It really is so beautiful here and is just unlike any other country I have ever visited. But alas, time to repack my twified wardrobe and dread the prospect of sitting on a plane for 26 hours and 50 minutes. But this trip has left me with lots of memories I will treasure, forever.

x

We did however get a good break in the weather when we went up SkyTower, the tallest building in Auckland. You get 360 degree views of the City, and the opportunity to jump from it if you are feeling stupid enough. I passed.

View of Auckland City from one no tree hill

PE admires the views, but is ready to spring into action in case my clumsiness to cause the glass to break when I trip and fall into it (-hey it could have happened, this is me!!)

Whoa, that’s a loooong way down.

My vampire strength shines through…oh yes I came to New Zealand to feed on er, Penguins whilst I er..oops.

A fully fledged kiwi!!!

So Saturday was spent admiring views and desperately trying to get photos whilst the weather was clear. Since Sunday has been too miserable to even attempt the bridge climb we went and played on the Segways. OMG these were soooo much fun!! I was dubbed “Mad Megan” and just you be glad I can’t drive, the roads are safer place trust me on that.

Mad Megan!!!

Back up to Whangarei tomorrow for the last few days of our adventure *sniff*. Yet I shall not dwell on this, it’s not over until PE sings..or sinks. Oh wait he already did that.

x

 Today I got all cultured, for a bit. We visited Whakarewarewa, a traditional (well ok modernised) maori village. It’s built round the geothermal vents, which are active, and constantly realise smelly gas from the earth.

 Try and…SAY IT. OUT LOUD…go on, I dare you.

 No PE, it is not the DOG you can smell, that’s the sulphur..he was not impressed with the stench, however good for the complexion it may be.

We had a wonder around the village and immersed ourselves in the souvenir shops cultural experience. And you know me, constantly looking for photo opportunities, for er PE of course, because I am not a poser at all, no sir-e. Well, I am now having my photo taken whilst taking PE’s. I am not sure I like this. Everyone else was quite amused though.

Fucking stand still you useless piece of unproportioned 7 inch piece of plastic *looks around* I mean er… come now smile for Meg, you will be rewarded with freezer time later *sorry PE (Corr), I promise there is no mistreatment of PE’s going on during this adventure, twitards honour*

After all the posing from both human and plastic (er..) we went and watched the performance, not before stopping and having a picture taken with the warrior. Keri overindulged in pictures of him, so now I have maori porn on my laptop.

 Spot the tourists.

So after losing my Huka viewing virginity, we headed off for the afternoon at Skyride. Oooo this was fun!! We took a gondola up to the top of the mountain and the views of Lake Rotorua were just amazing.

 *This kind of thing just doesn’t exist*

 *It does in my world* ..hmm why do I get the feeling I’m not the only one you’ve strung that line to?

And when we got to the top not only did we have unbelievable views, and the most perfect weather (particularly after yesterday) we got to go on luge rides down the hill!

Weeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!       

 And once I went once I wanted to go again, and again, and again.

 On the way back up to go again!! – cause once really is never enough.

We went for a total of 4 times, and not once did I fall off the thing, or go over a cliff. I was very impressed with myself. Particularly after the amount of times I have bashed my head on various obstacles during my two weeks here. Oh yes last night Keri’s nan said to me “you are rather accident prone aren’t you?” o.0 What it took you that long to figure it out?!

Unfortunately we had to leave and eat at some point, and I suppose the people that worked there wanted to go home, so after an evening in the all you can eat buffet *bloat* we took a stroll back to the motel. We aimed for a power walk, but Keri stopped every 5 seconds to take pictures of trees, and she thinks I’m the crazy one?

Then it was time for some relaxation time in our private spa, which PE hogged and I found out he sinks.

Haha water distortion, somebody needs some of that cardboardcutoutness that real life Eddie has going on.

 After some much needed swimming tuition (apparently), he then got a little carried away with the bubble jets.

 Dirty little bugger

This was our cue to get out and head to bed leaving PE in peace whilst he erm…well, best left to the imagination eh?

Today had to be one of the best days so far, I have loved Rotorua, smell aside of course. We are headed back up to Auckland tomorrow to hopefully get our bridge climb in over the weekend, weather permitting. And this means internet for updating and such J and I am DYING to here what T.I thinks of New Moon – gah!! 3 weeks!!

x

So I woke up to weather much the same as I went to sleep *how you likin’ the rain girl?* (I was going to put the Eddie are you enjoying the weather quote here but couldn’t remember the exact phrasing and am feeling extremely ashamed for admitting this…REWATCH!!!) ..yup rainy. We headed down to the Huka Falls optimistically passing the time before the jet boat ride. It was wet.

 Still smiling!! But really wishing I had packed my sexy Eddie brolly

 Mini E was certainly NOT getting used to it, no sun = no sparkle peen; it was a sad day for all. But no suicidal PE this time!

As you can see very wet and very grey. The Jet boat is supposed to come up to the edge of the falls and spin in the rapids. So we headed down to book up for it..it was still raining. We had a 2 and a half hour wait. After an hour we decided it wasn’t going to brighten up and we decided to leave Taupo and head up to Rotorua, disappointed. Stupid fucking weather.

On arriving in Rotorua we checked into are motel, another temporary home for 2 nights, and went in search of another jet boat. We found one – YAY! This one didn’t go over rapids and was just in the lake so I thought it would be pretty tame *cough*lame*cough*, but turned out to be quite adrenaline pumping and bruise bottoming. Lots of spins and such. Keri had previously been on the HukaJet and reckoned this one was better anyway. And oh by this time the weather had broken so we obviously weren’t meant to stay in Taupo.

I think Sir would be VERY jealous of these shades!!

Hale yeah!!!

So despite the bad start to the day it turned out to be a pretty good one. With our hair wet and tangled we then went and spent too much money shopping – AGAIN. Oh Rotorua stinks by the way. In the literal sense I mean, of rotten eggs because of all the geothermal activity. Jeez talk about pong!!

Hoping for more sunshine tomorrow!!

x

Anyway, back to me and little E who is currently off er, probably rubbing himself up against more bark or what not.

 See what I mean? Never mind the RobSten it’s all about the BarkWard…or Edwood – hahaha.

Well it was really quite irresponsible of me to take him to the clock factory where he was surrounded by hundreds of thousands of year old wood considering this new fetish. Honestly he kicked up quite a fuss when it was time to leave. I told him if he did not behave then I would put him in the freezer and leave him there for the remainder of our trip. After a stern, stare off he gave in and left the pretty expensive clocks behind.

Tick tock, freezer o’clock

We spent Sunday putting up a Christmas tree and having a Christmas party with Keri’s family. PE stayed shut away in my room admiring all my birthday cards. He felt safer there and since the xmas tree was fake did not feel inclined to go dry hump it. Hmmm, I think castration is on the cards.

Monday was more trekking up mountains, to the top of Parihaka, Whangareri’s highest peak. Lucky for my little legs you can drive all the way to the top, minus a few steps. Much more my kind of trek! There’s a war memorial at the top which looks like a silver bullet on the top of the mountain on a good sunny day. Unfortunately it was a pretty cloudy day but still some amazing views from the top.

 Rather brave to place him here considering the recent attempts of escape..and all that bark below him. Keri’s grandmother held her breath as I took this. I think she would have cried right along with me if the worst had happened.

 Pretty cloudy views.

Today, Tuesday, we headed down to Taupo for the night. Taupo is situated in the volcanic heart of the north island and is set around Lake Taupo which is New Zealand’s largest freshwater lake. Tomorrow we are visiting the Huka Falls (I may leave PE in bag safetyness after last time) where we’ll be going on the HukaFalls Jet boat. A 30 minute thrill ride, during which we will get VERY wet. And it’s supposed to rain tomorrow, so extra wet, fun times.

Tomorrow night we are heading back up a bit to Rotorua for two nights. So I will post all my adventures when I can. *fingers crossed for more wireless internet enabled motels*.

Since it was my birthday (lalalalala *spins around in circles*) I refused to get up to for the earlier trip. Ok I say refused it was more politely asking, since I am so lovely and all (wow, blogging makes me big headed). So we checked out (ooo we stayed in the *Dolphin Motel*), went for a stroll, and then coffee and cake mmm (I have pics but I shall try not to bore you with too many of myself). After a much prolonged fix that can only be filled by a decent bowl of coffee, yes it was a bowl, we made our way down to the jetty for an afternoon of dolphin watching.

Some of the many pictures we took, most of which were water.

Unfortunately I didn’t get the opportunity to swim with them since the pods we found all had juveniles with them. I was slight disappointed, ok hugely, massively, enormously, ok you get the idea. But I figure it’s not the end of the world, I shall some day.

After our afternoon at sea we drove back to Whangarei. PE offered me a ride on his disco stick since it was my birthday and all. I refused; I had had enough disappointment for one day. Later upon entering my room to change for dinner I found PE “relaxing” on my bed.

Ahhhh much better.

<

Hmmm I think I may have become a little distracted.

Since I received no offers from sir (it’s never too late though! …just FYI) I accepted the opportunity to go out to dinner and eat food other than chicken and chips and vegemite sandwiches.

On the way out, “My little Man” as he has been declared by Keri’s grandparents, found the xmas tree. Since my birthday is now over he was happy to declare that the Christmas craziness can now commence. And in the spirit of Christmas, the xmas tree is going up today. True story!!! We are having rellies over tomorrow for a party and Pat (Keri’s Nan) wants to put it up.

After chatting to Corr (which made me smile muchly btw) I went to bed and done my two most favourite things. Read my book and ate chocolate. I had a fantastic day and thank you for the birthday wishes.
Oh and one last thing…cause it’s my birthday (I have decided this phrase is acceptable for a least a week after the actual event).

That is all….

Ooops..haha that really is it…for now
xxx

On the way into Paihia we stopped for some oooo-ahhhing at Hururu Falls where the suicide attempt took place *eye roll*.

I spied a photo op and whipped PE out of my bag quickly whilst there were no prying eyes, and stood him on solid ground (since I would actually cry if he if fell in). As I went to take my snap he makes a run for it..or rather a flop for it since he does not possess the joints to run.

PE is alive because of me. Ok so there were no drastic smashing of car doors or destruction of an entire ballet studio, but he is worse than Miss Swan when it comes to the “you can’t leave me” thing. I spent a great deal of time comforting PE and reminding him that he has me and it really isn’t that long until he gets to be reunited with his beloved in the back row of a darkened cinema whilst Corr and I spend an entire 2 hours and 10 minutes with our heads in our jumpers.

He eventually brightened up and let me take the shot. But just to be on the safe side, when we visit Whangarei falls he shall remain in my bag at ALL times.

Fumble in the grass with sir whilst I think please (not that I need to ask)

Right. It was confusing but I got there in the end, I think On Tuesday, which was the 10th, we hopped in the car and travelled up to Kaitaia. During our three hour journey we stopped off at Cable Bay for ice cream and PE had a chance spend some time in his more preferred habitat.

 “It’s like a drug to me…tree bark…everything about it invites me in”

After I managed to keep PE still for 2 seconds and cut his harness, we got back in the car and carried on to our destination, the Capri Motel.

*The Capri Motel, complete with thumbs up from PE himself*

On Wednesday we went on our *sands safari* tour to the 90 Mile Beach and Cape Reinga. On the way to the beach the bus stopped off at this place where they make stuff out of thousands of years old trees (excuse my poor description on the place I can’t remember the name of). But I got to sit in a big chair and ooo they had a staircase inside this huge tree that the museum was actually built around. But I just can’t get excited by wood, but the chair was fun.

 Queenie Megs

That’s a big chair to fill PE and well, you just don’t.

Then it was on to the rainy, windy, looooong beach. The bus drove down it, but I have to say I was hoping for a fun bouncy, splash through the sea ride and it was flat and just looong.

It looked the same all the way down.

 Bbbrrr..but still smiling!! And a hole in a rock in the background.

Before reaching the head (te-he) of New Zealand, we stopped off for lunch in Tapotupotu Bay.

On a side note I have figured out why PE is looking so grumpy in all these photos. He is missing his bromance buddy, and clearly it is taking its toll on his permanent, yet changeable facial expression.

 Gloomy PE… don’t fret, you will soon be reunited in London town.

After lunch and admiration of the beautiful scenery and a stroll on La Push the beach (damn I keep getting confused and have occasionally been convinced I am in Forks with all the tall trees and omg the loggers!! And then the driftwood on the beach..too much for my Twilight consumed brain), we headed off to Cape Reinga. This is the very tip of New Zealand where the Tasmanian Sea meets the Pacific Ocean.

Was a little windy up there

Where all the surf is breaking is where the Tasmanian Sea and Pacific Ocean meet.

Hmm I am thinking we need one of these with sir on that constantly changes with his movements. It would certainly make stalking easier eh?

Next stop was Rarawa Beach where the sand is all silicon, very fine and very white. It gets all in your shoes and socks, and is still there now.

I also ended up with sand all down the back on my jeans…*sand in my pants!*..but that was more of a result of stupidity so I cannot blame the sand.

Next up for us is the Bay of Islands.

I was going to put in a map so you could actually see where I am talking about, but due to the painfully slow net I have here I gave up and have left it for you to do if you so wish, cause I am nice like that.

x

The house we stayed at in Auckland, and Keri’s Grandparents campervan.

PE looked kinda sad at the prospect of hitting the road but trust me, he was just as happy as me to get away from the big, smelly, drooly dogs. I think it was more to do with the shock of actually being let out of the suitcase. That or travel sickness.

We stopped off at the honey shop, for which he stayed in the safe hide awayness of my bag. He does not like bees much. Oh no wait, that’s me. Lucky for me the bees were kept behind glass so no freaking out and destroying half the shop in the process for me. But lots of honey tasting mmmm.

Next stop was the sheep farm where they had PINK, yes PINK sheep. PE had to see this with his own eyes so I made a rare exception to the hideaway PE from the public rule I so fondly live by.

And I’m not sure who was more surprised by whom. The pink sheep or PE.

PINK SHEEEEEP!!!!

After some fresh air and a stretch of the legs it was back in the van for us. The views up to Whangarei were amazing and the pictures don’t fully do it justice.

Very green. Not the best day for picture taking because of the cloud cover, but gives you some idea of the landscape. We had to travel up and down these peaks to get to Whangarei, so lots of ear popping for us *pop*.

Keri’s grandparent’s house is cut into the side of a hill. They have their living areas upstairs and their bedrooms downstairs in order to make the most of the views. PE approved muchly.

He STILL has that piece of glitter in the corner of his eye!!

After exploring our new temporary home, we took a trip to PAK’N’SAVE. Whilst pushing the trolley round I suddenly noticed my bag was open, and upon inspection I noticed PE was missing. (I have promised myself to take him with me everywhere I go from now on). I frantically began searching the isles for my little companion. When I got to the last isle I gave a sigh of relief as I spotted him on the top shelf. Then I noticed what he had found.

Sir would be very proud of you PE (uh oh I have let the cat PE out of the bag quite literally!)

I love my friend; she has completely supported my PE craziness, even pointing out photo opportunities for me. That was until I dragged her down the alcohol isle for this shot. She watched me place PE on the shelf next to the Heine and abruptly walked away and said “I’ll watch. From over here”. Bwahahaha. To be fair, I don’t blame her. I wish I could have walked away from myself.

So we have been trying to organise our remaining time here. We plan to have a couple of days here in Whangarei and then head up to the Bay of Islands. And oooo I am going to swim with wild dolphins, hopefully *squeee*. Trying to plan to do this on my birthday cause that would be absolutely amazing!! Then we are heading up to the very tip of the North Island to Ninety Mile Beach. Then down to Rotorua and back up to Auckland. All very exciting! And of course I shall be posting updates along the way, net connection permitting of course (I have dial up right now!! GAH!!!). But all of our adventure will be up eventually.

Hooray (- the kiwi way of saying goodbye)

x

Hunua Range Regional Park

Hey bugalugs!

Seriously, my second day in New Zealand and they are already trying to get rid of me!! Jeff: (Keri’s rellie that we are staying with atm) “Let’s take a nice walk and go see the waterfall down in Hunua” Keri and I: “sure why not”. A 3 hour hike later *puff puff* OMG I.AM.DEAD. OK so I did infarct survive, – just. As you know, I am not the most coordinated person so climbing up and down what felt like a mountain with tree roots and mud and steep drops hindering me was not such a bright idea. Oh I also had to negotiate this…

…needless to say I got wet feet and socks and trousers. Happy days.

Oh it was definitely character building, For example, I built up my ability to moan for long periods of time (to myself).

Puff puff. Hmmm attractive, no?

And curse people under my breath whilst struggling up a 75 degree slopes in some parts (no joke!).

I got left behind. A lot.

I guess it was worth it when we got to the top…

…until I was told it was 1 and a half hours down again. (I am moaning but bloody hell it was a LOOOOONG way).

3 hours is a long time to think, and for some reason I kept being reminded of Forks….all that green maybe? Course then I got thinking about Eddie and trees, and then I couldn’t get this image out of my head.

Gggrrr *tree snap*

And every tree I saw I got distracted by that thought. Really it was just a matter of time before I ended up with a muddy arse, he just helped me along.

I had to laugh when Corr said to me “who do you think you are?? Bella post break up??” Cause guess what me and my muddy arse snapped?

No sparkle peen here *sigh* He was hiding in the tree tops waiting to swing from vines – oh yes there were vines true fact! *swish*I am considering applying to Summit to location spot for BD.

It was a nice afternoon, regardless of the fact that my calf muscles are screaming to get out of my legs today and are making me pay by refusing to walk for me.

Oh yes and the waterfall we initially went to see.

Hunua falls

 Friday evening we caught the train and went into Auckland City for dinner and drinks. Ended up in a gay bar. Oh I am having all kinds of new experiences in New Zealand. And that was only day two!!

Sky Tower, which we’ll go up at some point. You get 360 views of the city. You can jump off it, but we decided to pass on that one.

Lookeee we survived the forest, er but not the city so much.

Yesterday, er Saturday, we had a relaxing day (needed it!!) Keri’s grandparents arrived and her nan was very surprised, good suprised. We have one more night here then heading up to Whangarei Monday.

Hope you guys are enjoying your weekend back in the past!!

x