Auckland, NZ

Kia Ora Everyone,

I'm finally getting my stuff together... I've adjusted to the time change, have my bicycle up and running and I'm almost ready to head out on Monday - was hoping to pick up a map today... but the Automobile Association (AA) was closed.

Cycling on the wrong side of the road for me has been a bit of a challenge. Felt a bit like Peter Parker when he was learning his powers as spiderman except without falling down... perhaps that is a bad analogy.

Anyway, Uenuku Lodge is quite nice and the weather has been warm - if not quite HOT... and I've forgotten that 22 degrees celsius is way HOTTER here than in the northern hemisphere (as the sun is stronger).

I've met some wonderful people already, some Australians that want me to come and visit them in Melbourne, as well as a woman named Shirley that lives in Taranaki - on the West side of the North Island of NZ - so who knows I may end up visiting her.

Things haven't changed much, still adjusting to sleeping in a bunkbed and the joys of a dorm room - but let's be honest it is about experiencing NZ not the backpacker hostels.

Anyway, as I learn where to find better internet cafes and ways to download images to this blog I'll share them - the one I'm in at the moment is rubbish.

Anyway, thinking of doing the coast to coast walkway today... or not. Then celebrating 2 birthdays in the hostel tonight, and I'm not making a cake Jennifer.

Thanks for all the well wishings and support. Nathan:)