I last wrote from Rotorua and am now up in the Northlands of New Zealand in a wee town called Paihia. Hannah and I have had the greatest week and it just seems that this trip is heaven sent….the kiwis just LOVE the Irish and we have been shown the most amazing hospitality. A family in Auckland (met at the rugby) had us to stay there on our way up to here….their friend was also staying with them and is from Paihia and insisted we go up and stay with his wife at his home while we were up here and he is away anywhere. So that is what happened.We spent a great lazy day driving up here and stopped at almost every beautiful waterfall, deserted beach and small backwater town on the way! Yesterday we went to a local museum and discovered about the history of new Zealand and the settlers and the signing of the treaty. I have decided to take a more active interest in history…my only stipulation is that it has to be on-location :o) :o) :o) ha ha. Afterwards we went out on a cruise to spot dolphins which was successful…there were loads out but we couldn’t swim with them because they had the babies in their pod…also saw a beautiful lighthouse :o) there were shoals of fish jumping up on the surface of the water so we threw a line in and caught a nice big kahawai! Took it home and cooked it for dinner! Honestly! It was mad. Gutted it, stuffed it with lemons onions and with some butter salt and pepper wrapped in tinfoil and baked in the oven with potatoes and carrots. This is a good start to this country. Last night we went down to the local ‘swordfish club’ and watched the match…hope to be at the maori vs lions game in Hamilton on Saturday…heading down there tomorrow and hoping to meet the guys who are sorting us out with tickets.Today was brilliant too though…went on a crazy trip called ‘Dunerider 4x4’ up to the very northern point of north island: Cape Reinga. There was a very lovely lighthouse. We looked out over the water to the point were the Tasman Sea meets the Pacific Ocean and went to a beach for picnic lunches. Hannah and I went in for a swim (in the pacific) before lunch which was a good laugh. Chilly enough but up here the New Zealand winter is quite different to what we’re used to. It was probably like a good day at the coast at home. Afterwards went sandsurfing and drove along ’90 mile beach’ (which is actually only 64 miles)…spotted a dead whale….a herd of wild horses (who’s gonna ride them?)…wild peacocks and other general excitement. This may all be totally boring to you so let me know if you’d like me to remove you from this list! I just thought I should touch base while I can as I wont always be able to get online.Hope to hear back from you soon, and I hope all those preparing for weddings have it all under control and are looking forward to the big days… much love, babs xo