New Zealand - part one

>> Dear all,
>> Sorry for the delay in telling you about New Zealand but once again we have been very busy.
>> After an early flight to Auckland which took just over three hours we were met by Laura's friends Claire and Paul. They have been so welcoming and have lots of knowledge of NZ. Claire and Paul have lent us their campervan and after a few days in Auckland to enjoy a proper bed ( the first time since October) and home comforts we headed up to the Northlands and Cape Reinga. The way to describe New Zealand is 'exciting' and 'wow' every turn has a new view that is as good as as the last, if not better. The number of times our breath has been taken away is countless. There are hundreds of photos to plough through and pick our favourites so photos will have to wait for another day.
>> After a few days doing the northlands - anywhere north of Auckland we headed back to pick up Paul and Claire. After a heavy night in Auckland city enjoying the bars around the viaduct the four of us headed down south to Ohakune for an overnight stop before heading down to Wellington for Sunday evening, Paul and Claire flew home for another week at work while Stu and Laura waited for the Monday morning ferry across the Cook Strait. Apparently captain cook didn't even sail across the cook strait so we don't feel like cheats!!
>> On arriving in Picton we took a nice drive along Kenepuru sound before meeting up with stu's friend from uni, Ian. A great evening was had chatting and catching up before retiring to the campervan in Ians driveway.
>> The following day we headed down state highway six towards the Fox Glacier. This has to be one of our favourite roads of all time, the views were amazing!!
>> After a long day driving we dropped into a local pub to check that there ale was ok:-)
>> The following day we did a glacier walk up the fox glacier which was fantastic - again photos to follow.
>> Since the glacier walk we have continued to head south, there is snow on the roadside, frost every morning and beautiful snow covered mountains on the horizon. Today we have been on a coach tour to Milford Sound and a boat ride out to the mouth of the sound. Once again extremely beautiful and photos to follow.
>>
>> Hope everyone at home is well,
>>
>> Lots of love,
>> Stu and Laura
>> Xxx