Not sure whether due to my exhaustion or my general demeanor but Stanley suggested, well, insisted really I take a break, a holiday, a vacation. What was this long forgotten holiday thing anyway? Both of us had friends or family in New Zealand - so Auckland here we come.........

Stan went on ahead. I had to fly back to the UK for 5 days for a meeting then the drudgery of 28 hours in the air. Within an hour of arrival in Auckland I was ensconced in a city view apartment and sitting having a bottle of red wine with Stan for breakfast or was it dinner! The first day was very long. I met up with my old friend David Seaton ex-Chief of the London Palladium, a new émigré with family. Finally ending up in a traditional NZ bar, yep, you guessed it - an Irish Theme Pub!

Activities had already been arranged for me and much fun was had in the 1st 24 hours. Next day we flew down to the South Island to Queenstown surrounded by the spectacular scenery. By the pictures - you guessed it - we did many adventurous sports! Here are photos of myself and Stanley. We did the 134M Nevis Jump and Stanley also the Ledge Jump. The Ledge I was booked to do but I hurt my back - that is another story. It's fantastic and I want to do it again but only with the Pro's in New Zealand.

I love Norway and the fjords so really wanted to take the long drive from Queenstown to Milford Sound - though gray and very wet it was just fantastic. So was the fun and atmosphere in the backpacker's Lodge with roaring fire. Milford Sound is a must for anyone who goes to the South Island. The torrential rain produced water falls all over the mountain sides.

Back to Auckland and windsurfing straight from the airport. Though a small and big boat sailor I never got on with wind surfing. This time I did, very enjoyable and spent more time on the board than off this time round. David came down to the water to have a laugh at us. Back to the apartment, some red wine, hot shower and a rest.

That evening was the celebration of the official first day of summer and David's first Barbi - fabulous. Only one day left which was spent on the beach with the Wilson family. Leaving was definitely a wrench and very tearful for me - see you soon New Zealand.