Day 124 - CHAGGIE RETURN TO GATWICK

Chino managed to sleep for about 5 hours on this flight, a pretty damn good effort, was feeling pretty refreshed for his return back home. Chaggie had a breakfast meal and watched one last film before landing. What a moment it was landing back on home ground.

The country we hadn't seen for 4 and a half months. Had been a while but was good to be back! The weather wasn't too bad, overcast but apparently one of the best days England has seen for a couple of weeks.

We collected our baggage which didn't take too long to come out, it had been a very long 32 hours or so since we left Michael and Marie at 18:00 and arrived at Auckland Airport. Since then we've been in Airports and on planes for our trip back to Gatwick. We were home again.

We got to the exit, Chino and Staggie immediately saw Russ and Graeme, a missed sight. Soon we found Chino's Aunty and Uncle to be holding a huge banner saying 'Welcome Back Chaggie!', was very very weird to see them all again.

Chaggie x

Day 123 - Airports and Flights

It was 01:00 New Zealand time but 23:00 local time when we left Melbourne Airport to Dubai. This was the 14 hour flight we both dreaded.

Staggie took his sleeping pill after a couple of hours and hoped for as much sleep as possible. Chino set his time to England time and tried staying up for as long as possible so that he could fall asleep when it was evening in England. He managed staying up around 7 hours.

Only a few hours were needed to wake up again and watch another couple of films, was a very long flight, we couldn't wait to get back in Dubai ready for our last flight to home!

We soon got to Dubai at 05:30 local time. This was about 15:30 in New Zealand, so with only a few hours sleep we were pretty shattered. We had just over two hours to wait before take off again, we caught a few zz's before boarding.

We took off at 8:20 local time. Chino took a sleeping pill and got as much sleep as possible. Staggie stayed up with the entertainment on-screen. Fortunately on this flight, it wasn't very packed at all, we had one space in between us that wasn't being used so Chino took full advantage and got comfy.

Chaggie x

Day 122 - CHAGGIE DOWNUNDER COMES TO AN END

We had a lay in this morning getting up at 11:00 to shower and have breakfast. Chaggie went and visited Peter and Esther who had us for a couple of days at the very beginning of our stay in New Zealand. We said our goodbyes and dropped off some bits.

This afternoon we went shopping for some souvenirs and had lunch with Michael and Marie, then at 15:00 it was goodbye Newmarket. Michael and Marie travelled in their car whilst we followed in the Honda to the storage company of our choice, which was made yesterday. We dropped him off making sure he would be all secure, was weird to see him completely empty inside. Farewell Brian! An emotional time!

Michael and Marie then dropped Chaggie off at the airport, really weird to be back. We said goodbye before checking in and dropping off our luggage.

The flight wasn't until 19:00 so we had an hour and a half before boarding time. Chino spent this time watching Black Books on his laptop whilst Staggie went and got a Mcdonalds and listened to his ipod.

It was Boeing 777 the whole way back to Gatwick, our first flight was to Melbourne leaving at 19:00. Throughout this journey we stayed up and watched a couple of films, we had a meal too.

We arrived in Melbourne at 21:00 local time. At Melbourne we had an hour and a half to wait, once again memories were remembered from our last time at the airport. We sat and waited for our next flight, boarding time was around 22:00. We left around 23:00, back in New Zealand it was 01:00 so already by now we were really starting to feel tired.

Chaggie x

Day 121 - Storage Time For Brian

This morning Chaggie woke up around 10:00, Chino went to the shops and bought some bread, milk and a bottle of wine whilst Staggie chilled out at Mike and Marie's.

Today's job was to go out and check out two potential storage companies where Brian the Honda would be kept for the year. Graeme will be visitng New Zealand every so often and so will his family, the car will certainly make it easier for them to get around. We checked out 2 Storage companies in Auckland and came to a decision on what one would be best, later on this evening we told Graeme our conclusion and planned to drop the car off tomorrow, sad times.

We had lunch with Michael and Marie and this afternoon we spent packing! Was certainly weird finding things from the beginning of our trip at the bottom of our bags. We managed to finish our packing, placing what to wear on the trip home aside.

This evening we spent with Michael and Marie, another brilliant meal. Michael started up the evening meal's topic which was on sport this evening, Staggie was in his element having debates on football being a contact sport!

Today was our last full day in New Zealand, hasn't hit us yet!

Chaggie x

Day 120 - Auckland Museum and War Memorial

Today was another productive day, Chino managed to catch up on a huge amount of Chaggie downunder. Not much else was done this morning, catching up with friends who we miss a lot and can't wait to see in a few days.

Michael had to rush off this afternoon to a meeting so lunch was outside on the deck just Marie and Chaggie. This afternoon we planned to go and have a walk up to Auckland Museum and War Memorial not too far from Michael and Marie's home in Newmarket. After more blogging we got going at 15:30.

The 1st floor was on Maori culture and history with parts on school in the past etc. The 2nd floor had parts on the Volcano and Earthquake tragedies New Zealand have been victims to as well as other disasters such as the Tangiwai Train Disaster. There were parts on land creatures and sea creatures, one of our favorite parts was the weird things room with all sorts of creepy crawlies including locusts, weta and crickets.

The Finding Nemo characters were all spotted too.











The floor we had the least time on due to the Museum soon closing was unfortunately one Chaggie would have loved to have spent more time on. War history and the war memorial. Auckland Memorial has a Spitfire in it's collection on show.

We got back at around 18:00ish, Chino walked into town and posted a letter to Murray Stagg, the cousin of Phill who we stayed with in Tauranga. This letter included his garage door key on, something Chaggie have been meaning to post back for a while. Anyway luckily that finally got done, Chino bought some bread also, something we've been using a lot of at Michael and Marie's.

This evening we had a roast chicken, Chino managed to catch up on the blog to our current day, pictures all uploaded too, a major relief to be done before our trip back home. Dinner was delicious, a full roast chicken with all the trimmings, will be our Kiwi Roast for a long time now.

We chilled out this evening, Chino watched the I.T Crowd, Staggie caught up with friends and carried on with his managing for Newcastle on FM. Tomorrow is our last full day in New Zealand, it certainly crept up on us.

Chaggie  x

Day 119 - Catching up on the Blog!

This morning Chino woke up at around 8 and caught up with friends on skype. Had breakfast and went for a walk into town to get some bread for Michael and Marie around 11:30. He bought a few bits and bobs too, was another day in the hot sun. Staggie's morning didn't start till about 11:30, Chino returned about 12:15, we soon had lunch.

This afternoon was spent doing a lot of blogging, Chino worked on Chaggie-downunder whilst Staggie worked on his sports blog. Was a productive day getting used to working hard again in preparation for getting home I'm sure.

We had dinner round the table, corn, sausages, potato, peas, very nice. This evening we watched some television with Michael and Marie. Another day quickly gone, going home time is getting closer and closer.

Chaggie x

Day 118 - Brian's Big Day

Chaggie woke up at 07:00 this morning, had breakfast, showered, looked presentable and went through bits and bobs for this morning. We did a bit of research last night on other Honda CRV's in the market using 'trademe.co.nz' we found that the asking price of ours was very good, it would be a bargain even for the condition of the car.

We followed Michael to the market this morning, he was very kind to come with us and help out, he had already told us though that he would only be there to watch over, it was us that was going to be selling the car today. The Honda CRV (Brian) was down for an asking price of $6,500. We had been in contact with Graeme and whatever the sale price, $2,000 of it would be donated to the Christchurch Red Cross Appeal. For only 129,000km's and as 1996/7 model, the condition of our Honda was by far the best there and the price was very accurate. We had many people interested in the car today, most I think though were blinded by the illusion in how cheap other cars were, they wouldn't pay attention to how much better the condition was of ours. Those who could see that ours was very reasonable for its asking price, were on a strict budget and wanted it for lower than $5,500, what would be more than a bargain.

Chaggie stood by Brian from 09:00 to 12:00 today, we finished with a few contacts and numbers but no official buyer. This wasn't a bad thing though, Graeme really does enjoy driving the car and has already been thinking of how useful it could be for when he comes out each time to NZ as well as for family and friends in the same position. He already had back up plans to keep it in storage and to use it whenever he travels around his home country again.

We got back and had lunch with Michael and Marie, found out that it was actually Michael's birthday, to which we gave him our apologies in bringing him out to the car fair for us, not the best present. Some of the family came round this afternoon, Staggie got to meet them. Chino today had a very long nap from about 15:00 to 19:00, doesn't know where the tiredness came from but it struck him pretty hard.

Once he woke up, dinner was served, another fantastic meal cooked by Marie, a Thai Green Curry. We chilled out this evening in front of the television.

Chaggie x

Day 117 - Farewell Jamie!

This morning we woke up at 07:00, Jamie made sure he had everything packed and left what he didn't need behind for Chaggie to take home in their luggage. He will now go travelling for the next 30 days or so down South alone before heading back to Auckland where he will meet with his Girlfriend who will be flying out for a month. Chaggie drove him to Sky City where he had planned to catch the bus to Rotorua, was all very emotional. We said our goodbyes and wished him farewell for the rest of his trip before making our way back to Mike and Marie's. Staggie went straight back to bed whilst Chino caught up with some friends online.

We chilled out for the rest of the morning, had lunch with Michael and Marie and planned the rest of our day. Our main intentions today was to get the car washed, it is going to be Brian's big day tomorrow, we will be taking him to the car fair nearby which occurs every Sunday so washing him today was our main objective. We also needed to return what Michael and Emilie had given to us, all that camping gear we used in Northland, that was a secondary objective.

At about 15:00 we set off to Beechland's, fortunately both Michael and Emilie were in so we stopped off for a drink and a chit chat. We made our way back to Auckland after saying goodbye and took Brian to a mall where we knew he could get a good wash for $90, we knew paying for a proper good wash would be best as the weather was pretty miserable and let's face it, Chaggie wouldn't have done as good a job. It took half an hour for the car to be done, inside and out, every little detail, washed, varnished, the insides were dusted and cleaned too. They did a superb job. Was an odd sight to see Brian so clean.

We got back to Michael and Marie's at 18:00, we didn't stay too long before going out to the local pub with Michael. We had a couple of pints and headed back just in time for another good meal that Marie had cooked.

This evening we went downstairs to the office where we had a full briefing on what our objectives are for tomorrow. We have kept in contact with Graeme in England and know what we need to do. Tomorrow's the big day, in case the car is not to be sold though, Graeme does have a good back up plan so don't think its all bad in the next post. Yes we have been quite far behind on our blogging so I am typing all this on a date later than tomorrow.

Chaggie x

Day 116 - Auckland..The Last Week

After a long night and a good sleep, Staggie and Jamie woke up and headed to the pool and jacuzzi included in the price, took full advantage of it all, a good way to wake up. Whilst Chino had a good lay-in, then woke to pack the car and tidy up a bit. Today we were heading back to Auckland to stay.

We left at 10:00, the couple from last night followed us to Waipoua where we had all planned to stop off and see the giant; 'Tane Mahuta', the huge Kauri Tree.

We lost them quite quickly, they caught up with us again somehow on a car ferry taking us all over the Hokianga crossing. We soon got to Waipoua, was a long drive and there it was, the King of the Forest, Tane Mahuta. We knew this would be the last icon and attraction we would see before going home, all we have left now is a week in Auckland to prepare for our long trip home. We saw this moment as ages away so many months ago and now its here. All of this to think about whilst actually being quite shocked to see how big the tree actually was. Not surprising that it inspired the film 'Avatar' to be produced.

As we were walking back to the car, the Brits from yesterday were heading in, we said our goodbyes and best wishes for the rest of the trips. We then carried on to Auckland.

We arrived at Michael and Marie's home in Newmarket at 17:00 today, they are the very kind people to be housing us till the 10th, both close friends of Graeme Stagg and will also be helping us with selling the car. Michael was out to start with, we were welcomed in by Marie and brought our bags in from the car. Michael arrived home from his choir practice (a term used in New Zealand for going up the pub with a few mates) at 19:00, just in time for the Super 16 Rugby match to start on TV between the Crusaders and the Waratahs. It was a convincing win for the Crusaders, a good all round match with the Crusaders dominating after the first 15 minutes.

This evening Marie had cooked a fantastic Lasagne, a favorite meal of Chaggie's. Was nice to be in a cosy, warm home for the first time in a week. The shower was well appreciated and we couldn't wait to have a good night sleep.

Chaggie x

Day 115 - All The Way To The Top!

Staggie's alarm went off this morning at 06:30, didn't really mind us that it was so early, was a crappy sleep anyway! We got up, brushed our teeth and had a quick wash before leaving Mitai Bay to Kaitaia. The sunrise was caught on our trip, was a pretty nice sight, one we haven't seen that much due to never waking up so early.

Kauri Staircase

At 09:00 we had a tour booked for the 3 of us with 'Harrison's Cape Runner's'. We parked at the depot and jumped on the bus. It was a full day tour, after picking up all the passengers we got going up North making certain stops on the way including 'Kauri Kingdom' where the famous staircase is shown made out of Kauri Tree. We then made a stop at Houhora Heads which was a scenic stop before moving on to Tapotupoto Bay for lunch. The guide was informative and cheerful, knew his stuff and took us all the way up to Cape Reinga, the very top of New Zealand (although its not the most Northern point which is what most people believe but the second most Northerly after Surville Cliffs).

To be at Cape Reinga was pretty weird, knowing we were right at the top of the country we have seen so much of over the last few months. We were lucky to get a few good pictures of it, right next to the point in which the Abel Tasman Sea and the Pacific Ocean meet, now thats a pretty cool sight also watching them as they collide and noticing the color difference. We were lucky though as shortly after we had got there, mist from low cloud completely covered the light house which is such an icon to this part of the country.

On the way back to Kaitaia we stopped off at the huge Sand Dunes on the West Coast, we stopped off just before getting onto the 90 Mile Beach and received a toboggan! We did indeed go Sand Tobogganing down the dunes a few times.


The bus then travelled down the 90 Mile Beach until we got to Kaitaia.


This evening we had dinner at a park in Awanui, we had already checked out some camping grounds and couldn't find any decent spots to stay the night for free that is. We were going to stay at the park close to the main road, in the end we paid for a spot by a Motel where we knew a couple from England were staying who we had met on the trip. They were from Bristol University and were a good laugh, we parked up next to their campervan and seeing as we had paid, had full use to the facilities which was good, all private too which meant safe for Chino to sleep later also.

This evening we all had a good laugh, got a table, got out the drinks, got told to quiet down once, soon passed out on the table...well...Chino did.....this ended up with quite a lot of Mosquito bites on both his feet. Seriously...tonnes.

Chaggie x

Day 114 - Mitai Bay

Woke up at 08:00 this morning, Chino was woken by Jamie coming to make sure he was still alive, it was surprisingly a really good sleep for all. Not as nice a day as we had recently been used to today, overcast all day.

We had breakfast, fried toast and beans cooked by Jamie who has become our trips chef, Chaggie say its because he's getting a lift everywhere. We always make sure we're parked near a public toilet so once we took use of the ones nearby this morning which aren't always in as dirty condition as one may think, we drove to Mitai Bay which is at the top of the Kari Kari Peninsula. Mitai Bay is right next to Kari Kari Bay, both on a good day would be stunning beaches. Unfortunately with the weather we had, they weren't the best we had seen but most certainly were a good place to stop for the day.

We played cricket all day today, played 10 overs each innings and with three of us and only two fielders each time, it would take quite a while to get someone out. We swam around Kari Kari Bay this afternoon and sunbathed, we had to take the opportunity in getting a tan this week ready to be setting off home next week!

Later on we made sure the car was parked in a good position ready to sleep in this evening making sure it was on a flat surface. We chilled out with a few beers, soon started cooking dinner. This evening we had steak and potato in a tomato sauce, was really good. We parked next to the bays where boats can access them, we were just down the road from a camping ground too. The showers and toilets we took advantage of, using the sinks to wash up our dishes also.

Tonight Chino made use of the alcohol, it was going to be a cold and drizzly night, he found a patch of grass, chucked his stuff on there and tucked in. It was at 03:00 that he woke up to rain, starting to pour quite heavily, he got up and picked up his sleeping bag and mozzy net, knocked on the car, to which startled Staggie. The rest of the night was an uncomfortable one with the 3 of us finding a tiny bit of space to each fit in the car.

Chaggie x

Day 113 - March Is Here!

Only 11 days left and Chaggie will be back in England, it struck us today how close we are to the end of the trip now being 1st March. A day we thought would take forever to come has now suddenly crept up on us. We spent it well today going further up North to see what it has to offer and New Zealand never disappoints.

Woke up at 7 this morning, was a pretty rough night for Chino, Jamie and Staggie had a good one. Chino was up bright and early to the sounds of other campers waking. He used the facilities, had a wash, woke up the others and off we went. FREE NIGHT! Yet again, always go down well.

Waitangi Treaty Grounds

We stopped off by the beach this morning where we got out the camping gear and cooked sausage and bacon sandwiches, stopping off at the shops on the way. We then made a trip to 'Waitangi Treaty Grounds', Staggie got in free with his NZ Passport and made a donation before entering and taking pictures of all the history, what hit him was the fact that without this treaty he would never have been born!

We went shopping before leaving Paihia this morning, our first checkpoint of the day was 'Tauranga Bay', we stayed there for an hour or so, played some cricket, a lot of slogging. Our second checkpoint we got to in the afternoon; 'Taupo Bay'. Tauranga Bay didn't have the nicest beach, we chose not to swim there but Taupo Bay we couldn't resist, a very nice beach looking out on a Gorilla shaped rock. We stayed at Taupo Bay all afternoon, tried using a nearby camps showers but it cost $2, far too expensive for a shower (we are backpacking properly this week don't forget).

We drove to Mangonui further up North this afternoon, to the right of the Kari Kari peninsula which will be our stop tomorrow for the day. Mangonui we heard was home to a World Famous Fish and Chips shop out on the bay, we found this place and made a stop. After getting quite a big meal, Snapper, Crab Sticks, Fish Cakes and battered sausages in Jamie's case we drove to Coopers Beach where we had found a perfect free car park area right on the beach. They were certainly amazing fish and chips, we had our own ketchup etc.

After eating, we played some cars, set up the car into Jamie and Staggie's sleeping position and chilled out in there till dark, we had a bottle of wine and a few beers, was a good evening. Ended up on a heavy discussion on how World War I and II started with Staggie giving us some interesting facts around the times. Chino found a fantastic spot to sleep, under a bush looking out on the beach, could tell it would be a nice scene to wake up to.

Chaggie x