Halletts Bed & Breakfast Hamilton

... us an amazing part of what lies underneath this part of NZ. He said there are glowworm caves down in the south island as well but it is really talked up in all the tourist leaflets around this area. There are over a thousand caves systems and part of the management goals are to use only a small percentage of that for tourism and education. The aim is to allow people access so these wonders can be experienced but to also minimize the impact of feet ...

... Brooks you idiot what did you get me into smile. We got to the site suited up our gear which consisted of a hardhat, wetsuit, rain boots, light, and abseil harness. Then came our great abseiling lesson. The field behind the warehouse like building that we suited in was on a 30 degree decline. "Ok, the line goes in out, in and back out and remember if you want to stop, thumb up the bum and that means lock the rope directly behind your ...

... tasted like it was fresh from the garden). Presentation was outstanding. WELL DONE MOMENTO.

Atmosphere... very relaxing and enjoyable. One gentleman had his feet up with a good book.

STAR RATING - 5

Would I go there again? DEFINITELY

(apparently they're going to open for dinner soon too - however since this blog is just for breakie and lunch dining, I can't comment.)

... in mount rapheu about 3.5 hours away from here, so looked into car hire, but as i'm under 25 it was working out at around 140 dollars for the weekend....if i was 25 it would be 111.. not fair! So i decided i would stay here and see some of new plymouths sights before i leave, becuase next weekend I have booked a mammouth trip to christchurch to meet up with laura and dan from uni doing their elective there. Am spending 2 days in christchurch, and then were going to drive ...

... camper before driving up towards Raglan to see Bridal Veil falls. The drive was a bit of a mission on an unsealed road - the rain had made the earth wet & loose, creating a number of small land slides onto the road - one of which was not so small. A tree & loads of earth had slipped down onto the narrow road so we had to try to squeeze the camper through. Luckily it just about fit after Christina & I fought with the branches to try & get them out of the way.
Waitomo Caves, North Island, New Zealand dixie87

Waitomo was a little bit of a wierd place, the population of the town being around 3 people with only one pub (shock horror!). When we arrived we settled into the cosy little hostel complex, some people heading off on caving trips while the rest of us took it as an opportunity to catch 40 winks before the night ahead. The hostel arranged a cracking BBQ in 'Crusty's Pub' which included steak and sausages!! This was ...

... of the gorgeous homes on the water, we met up with Irene, Gail, Joanne and Travis for our next activity - jet skiing! We each took turns jet skiing with Chopa on their massive (and fast) jet ski. For SOME reason, they trusted us enough to let us go out and drive the ski on our own! It was very cool. We were supposed to go water skiing, too, but the water was a bit rough... so we headed to the local bar for a drink instead! We ended the perfect day ...

... you to feel obligated to keep in better touch....keep in better touch damnit! I'm not used to not knowing what's going on in your lives and like I said, even if I am not asking you on a weekly basis "so what's going on now?" I still want to know what's going on now. Even short little one liners ' hey - I bought pasta on sale today! I love 50 cent spaghetti!' excite me. Okay, so I'm exaggerating....but I think you get the point. Main point to all: I love you, I miss you, talk to me. xox K

... and I'm emotional! It will be great to be reunited with Paddy but the tears have been a regular occurence over the past few days as I prepare to say goodbye to NZ, family, and security! I really do want to go (otherwise I might turn into a Hamilton hermit) however venturing into the unknown is tough (new country, job, friends, home, accents and leprachauns) and I've had too much time to think ...

... seems that way! ;) Marty and Moki like to sleep with me (sorry Lily!) and I christened Penelope with her name even though the rule is not to name the rabbits that are for sale. She's just so adorable! Timmy is a maniac who hides behind a cute face and makes snorty pig noises when he's excited. Or sleeping. Or eating. Or....all the time actually. The rabbits mainly keep to themselves. Coffee and wine. For the last week and a half I have basically been living off of ...