The North Island

After a beautiful 3 hour ferry journey between the two islands, complete with jumping pods of dolphins and some great sightseeing, we arrived on the North Island and New Zealand's capital city of Wellington. A charming little harbour city, we instantly settled in. After checking in, having some cheap Dominos and a couple of beers, it was out to scope out the town with friends Lee and Chloe. Chloe, having lived there for a few months, was nice enough to take us to all the great nightspots. We spent the night having fun, with Jordan and Tanner playing their new dice game, inspired by their combined reading of "The Dice Man".

The following few days were spent exploring Wellington. Jordan and I had a good day going through one of New Zealand's best museums, Te Papa, complete with a tour of the Lord of the Rings exhibition playing at the museum. Saw some really incredible stuff. We also took the opportunity to visit NZ's parliament building referred to as "The Honeycomb". On simple examination the reason for the nickname becomes immeadiately clear.

After three nights in Wellington it was back on the bus and off to Taupo. A city in the center part of the North Island on the side of Lake Taupo, NZ's largest lake. Taupo is also the center for skydiving in New Zealand, with single jumps costing only $150(about $115 CAD). On the way to Taupo we also visited the site of Mount Doom from the Lord of the Rings films. Upon seeing the volcano, your mind immeadiatly settles back into memories of the film. Everything was there except for the lava and Frodo and Sam. We arrived at our hostel later that afternoon and spent the night out, but the knowledge that all 5 of us were jumping out of a plane the next morning made for an early evening.

The next morning was absolutely beautiful, not a cloud in the sky. After getting up and having a quick bite to eat, it was off to the jumpsite. Upon arriving Rich, Rob and I were rushed into our jumpsuits and given our prep instructions. Jordan and Tanner would jump on the next flight. After final instructions and meeting our jumpmasters we were thrown into the plane and off to 12,000 feet. Although we were all nervous, excitement soon took hold. The door opened and we were off into the sky. There are few words that can describe the sensation, it's truly amazing, like flying(Jordan: Good call Matt). The freefall lasted 45 seconds although it felt like 5, then the chute opened and calm took hold as you drift slowly to the ground. After our jump, Jordan and Tanner were sent up on the next plane for their jump. We all agreed that it was the best thing we did all trip.

After a few party nights in Taupo (cheers to Sam and Candida), it was off to the stinky city of Rotorua. It was a nice town, sadly the smell brings Hinton to shame because of all the thermal activities. But we powered through to play some golf, party a little and then it was off to Auckland, the largest city in NZ at 1.4 million people. Upon our arrival in Auckland and checking into our hostel, we prepared for a big night. Not only was it our last night partying with English girls Suzi and Jo, but it was also the first World Cup game for England(I'm England Til I Die!!!). It was a great night, partied with the boys, one last hoorah with Sooz and Jo, and good old Johnny, dude you had a bit too much. Final score England 1, Paraguay 0.

After a day of rest we were off to Paihia at the tip of the North Island and the famous location of the Bay of Islands. This was our last Kiwi Experience trip and although we were becoming a little tired of the big green bus we were determined to go out in a blaze of glory (cheesy Bon Jovi reference). The rain cramped our style a little bit but we still managed to have some great barbeques, sing some kareoke, play some darts and do some bar quiz's. On the last day the weather cooperated and Rob and I went golfing on a great little course while Jordan, Tanner and Rich went fishing in the Bay. It was a good day on all accounts, then it was back to Auckland, our final day in NZ beckoned.

The Touché Experience was not going to go quietly. Our last day together called for celebration, La Porchetta for a pizza meal before heading to the Globe bar for 2 for 1 beers and gold fish racing. The night soon became a blur of touche related fun and before we knew it the time was 4am and another England soccer game was on. We watched the first half before heading to bed. The next morning we woke bright and early, said our heartfelt goodbyes (godspeed men, godspeed) and it was off to the airport. New Zealand will be a highlight of this trip and an experience we will remember forever. Thanks to all those who shared it with us.