Sorry folks, I haven't been able to get to Internet before. Now have just a few minutes, so here's some bullet points:
+Flights were fantastic.
+ Arrived in Auckland, met at airport by Val holding a "VIP V... J..." sign. Went to her home in her taxi. Met her husaband Bill and daughter Robyn - last saw them all 17-18 years ago!!! Great to see them all. Felt right at home right away!
+Did big tour of Auckland, seeing all major sights.
+Went to a remote beach west of Auckland - Whatipu beach. Beautiful
+Drove to Coromandel Peninsula - stayed at Robyn's beach house in Cook's Beach. Visited Cathedral Cover, Hot Water Beach. Fantastic!
+Tried white bait fritters
+Found sausage rolls!!!
+Drove south along the coast with Val seeing spectacular scenery all the way.
+Drove inland to Waitomo where I am now to see the Glowworm Caves. Again, spectacular.
+Visited a public toilet that spoke to you, played music, and automatically opened its doors after 10 minutes. I kept an eye on my watch to make sure I didn't exceed the time limit.
+The water seems to run clockwise down the plughole here!
+Seen lots of sheep, lambs (aahhh, so cute), deer, and LOTS of cows.
+Visited a gold mine.
+Seen lots of British candies. Difficult to resist temptation!
+Next stop Rotorua.
+Val is driving me around places and will go home I think tomorrow after which I will head from Rotorua to Lake Taupo.
+In short, I LOVE New Zealand. It's absolutely wonderful!!!!! I'm having a great time.
