Okay so things have been a bit crazy lately and its been like 6 months since we've written to you! SO sorry about that! But it's all better now because, well, it just is!

so here it goes,the update for the week of March 1, 2005. in case you haven't noticed, there are over 500 new reviews and resources that have been added to the suitcase. our guides to new zealand have had the most work - most likely because that is where i am spending my time right now.

i just completed a trip of the north island, well most of the north island that is, and had a fantastic time. we left the bay of islands and went south to Waitomo via Auckland and Hamilton. It was basically a lot of driving (with a stop in Aucks for a kebab!) so i did a lot of sleeping.

we arrived into waitomo when it was still light out and were able to see that there wasn't much around other than the glow worm cave attractions. we checked into the kiwipaka yha hostel and relaxed in our room. oh wow, was it a room. we were on the second floor of a chalet and had a huge balcony, room, and bathroom. even the shower was huge!!

around 7pm we walked down to the local pub - the only pub - and had ourselves a beer. it was just so nice to be on vacation that we took a deep breath and drew it in.

i had seen the kiwi experience bus at the hostel and so i knew they were in town. we finished our beers at the pub, bought a 12pk and headed back for the hostel. all you could hear was the raucous of drinking games and thus we had found our friends.

next thing i knew i was being woken up at 615 in the morning to head for a day of blackwater rafting. we had signed up for the 8am tour and had a full day ahead. we checked out of the hostel - a definite recommendation - and headed for the Legendary Blackwater Rafting Co. We had a bit of breakfast in the cafe and then grouped together for the adventure. they kitted us out in full wetsuits which were basically a pair of overalls and a jacket, boots and a helmet with a light on it. once everyone was ready we jumped into the van and were off for the river and caves.

glow worms are actually larvae trying to attract dinner but are still a cool thing. we entered the cave with our tubes over our shoulders and quickly plopped down into them. as we floated along in the dark the blue like glow above was enchanting. some jackass kept turning his light on and ruining the moment but as you do. we spent almost 3 hours climbing around in the cave and floating from point to point and having a swell time. next time i would go for the full day adventure and do the 100m abseil.

we drifted back to the van and went straight for the showers. the water was clean, it was just cold! it was then back up to the cafe for the complimentary bagel and soup. yummy! we then back tracked a bit to otrohanga to check out the kiwi house - an opportunity to see a kiwi in its natural habitat. it was fun. woo. it cost $12 entry. hoo.

alright... gots to run. stay tuned for the rest of the north island tiki tour...