Kiwi Experience

Everything's going great here. A quick overview as I wait for my large cheese from Domino's: Talked to Ed in the airport about NZ, and this Kiwi overheard me and gave some good local knowledge (Dunedin, watchout). He even told me about a mate of his who runs tours in the town of Rotorua, where I just arrived today. So, I'll look him up tomorrow. Flew over on a 747, which luckily wasnt the Peugot of Boeing like i feared it might be. Had nice leg room and all sorts of tv shows and movies on demand. Got in no hitch and checked striaght into my hostel. Wasnt too tired so I walked around Auck. Nice city, similar i suppose to San Fran (hilly, large asian contingent, foggy, rainy in the AM) and went to bed early and slept off the jetlag. Had another day in Auck, then I got a bus north to Paihia, in the Bay of Islands. Nice area, my tour to swim w/ dolphins got rained out, but I still did some kayaking andsome hikes. Took off this morn for 9 hr bus ride to Rotorua, which offers a lot to do. Has strong sulphur smell. which I'll add to, due to thermal springs. Also great rafting,kayaking,ferry, and volcano tours available. So, it should be a fun couple of days here.
As for the hostels, sharing the room has been no problem. I've roomed w/2 scots (great); a couple canadians (not bad); germans (also good) and one swiss (terrible). No photos just yet. Greg, I have your camera (Elf). Seems to be working well, but I dont have the transfer cables so I'll have to put photos on cd's and upload that way, which will prolly take some time. Until next time.

Cheers,
James