I was a virgin of the sea prior to this wonderful trip my wife Judy and I took to celebrate our 15th wedding anniversary.

We flew London - LA - Auckland with no problem until a wee sniffer dog at Auckland airport caught the scent of a dried thistle in my wife's handbag! A small fine and an acceptance of our adversity was a minor hic-up. I must recommend Quantas Airlines for their service.

We had three days to enjoy Auckland so we spent the first couple exploring the city by a rented car. I was expecting it to be a lot smaller than it was, the suburbs stretch quite a way from the city. if you get the chance the Coramandel peninsula is just wonderful. Read more