Well - we;re on our way in NZ at last

Tokyo was fun, tiring but fun. Think Wembley 15mins after the proceedings are over. Shibuya crossing at 7pm is 10 times more crowded and hectic. Still we saw a wedding at one of the temples and a lot of very interesting shops and I'm still not sure we know quite what we ate

As you probably heard the first Campervan broke down - huge clouds of black smoke and no power - not what you want when you are climbing a steep windy hill just outside of Kawakawa. Just desserts I suppose, since 15 mins earlier we'd both urinated on a work of art (if you are curious Google Hunterwasser and Kawakawa).

So a tow and then truck later we found ourselves dumped for the night on the road next to one of the most scenic beaches in NZ. Also it was Nov 5 so all the locals came down to the beach to let off their fireworks - fantastic scenery and a free fireworks display compesated a little for the problems.

Another day, another towtruck. This time out to the Ford dealer who took just a couple of hours to diagnose a blocked catalytic convertor. Fixed just in time to go meet up with the other van the hire firm sent up from Auckland

So a day and a half behind schedule meant a very long driving day but saw some ginormous trees and a pleasant forest walk on route.

Today we've got as far as Rotorua, famous for its hot springs. Just walking through the park there is bubbling mud and steaming, sulphurous water everywhere. Even our campsite has hot springs