Nichola Hits "Love Island"

Nichola is now on Fiji and has visited the "Love Island" location.But she will leave tomorrow to make her way back to England to arrive on Wednesday 10.00am.
Whilst on Bounty the love Island she has been swimming with Blue star fish, feeding turtles,climbing coconut trees (shes a monkey!!!!)and was thinking about going fishing.
How the other half live!!!!

Its the end of the NZ tour now onto Fiji

Nichola is now in Auckland staying at the Mecure Hotel and getting ready to move on to Fiji.
Location
The hotel stands in downtown Auckland, next to the Britomart Transport Centre and 50 metres from the waterfront and ferry piers. The hotel is just a few minutes walk from the Viaduct Harbour precinct, renowned as Auckland's centre of entertainment, dining and nightlife. Newmarket, Ponsonby and Parnell are all within 10-minute drive from the hotel.
This is her last night in New Zealand and tomorrow she will share a taxi to the airport with three others to catch the flight to Fiji.A few days will be spent there and then HOME !!!!

Bounty Inn Paihia

Today Nichola is staying at the Bounty Inn, Paihia a beatiful place to be.
The Bay of Islands
Top local adventures include cruising to the ‘hole in the rock’ at the tip of Cape Brett, finding dolphins (and maybe swimming with them) and sea kayak tours. Paihia is also just down the road from the historic Treaty House at Waitangi, which marks the beginning of New Zealand as a nation. Just west of Paihia is Haruru, where you’ll find an impressive waterfall and a boardwalk.

More News hot off the press

Nichola has been granted a work permit for Australia so 2008 looks like a exciting year for Nichola we wish her all the best and hope she enjoys her time there.

News from Nichola

Hi how are you all
had a massage yesterday and saw Maori culture and exploding thermal springs just been zorbing (Zorbing is a recreational activity developed in the 1990s that consists of rolling downhill inside of a usually transparent, double-hulled sphere called a zorb, made from PVC.)with water inside it was such fun! Going black water rafting with glow worms now!!!
Love to all
xxxx


See video of blackwater rafting follow this link

http://www.waitomo.com/Default.aspx?DN=c0dee40d-f6e4-4520-bb5c-541a47b88dec

27th November Kiwi Paka Waitomo

Situated in the heart of Waitomo Caves, the Kiwi Paka Waitomo is just a 2-minute walk from the Glowworm Caves. Numerous attractions such as Marakopa Falls, Mangapohue Natural Bridge, Waitomo Cave Museum and plenty others are located close to this property.
World renowned and a magnet for both local and overseas visitors, the Waitomo Glowworm Caves occupy a high placing in almost everyones New Zealand vacation wish-list.

The Waitomo glowworm, Arachnocampa luminosa, is unique to New Zealand. Thousands of these tiny creatures radiate their unmistakable luminescent light as our expert guides provide informative commentary on the Caves' historical and geological significance.

26th November

And Nichola moves on to Sudima Hotel at lake Rotorua
Lake Rotorua is the second largest lake in the North Island of New Zealand by surface area, and covers 7,878 ha. With a mean depth of only 11 m it is considerably smaller than nearby Lake Tarawera in terms of volume of water. It is located at 38°05′S, 176°16′E in the Bay of Plenty region. The city of Rotorua is sited on its southern shore, and the town of Ngongotaha is at the western edge of the lake.

The lake was formed from the crater of a large volcano in the Taupo Volcanic Zone. Its last major eruption was about 240,000 years ago. After the eruption, the magma chamber underneath the volcano collapsed. The circular depression left behind is the Rotorua Caldera, which is the site of the lake. Several other lakes of volcanic origin are located nearby to the east, around the base of the active volcano Mount Tarawera.

Catch up with Nichola

It has been a busy trip for Nichola in NZ short stops and moving on to see different things so lets try a spend a quick minute to see where she has been.

25th November Lakeland Resort.
Lakeland Resort is located in a tranquil setting, adjacent to beautiful Lake Taupo, New Zealand's largest lake which is situated in the heart of the North Island.

You will find us on the shores of Lake Taupo, 2 miles south of the township. The advantage of being elevated from the road means that we are easily viewed whether travelling north or south and also provides visitors with a stunning panoramic view.

Nanny has seen the pictures !!!!!

BBQ Anyone?

.Its me again! - hope you enjoyed your barbie. This is just a quick one to say we think your 884 pics are SUPERB!!! I can hardly imagine how you found the time and opportunity to take them - you really have made a great job of covering so many amazing places, and I was pleased to see that there are quite a few with your smiling face in them - Well Done!

News from Nichola

hello! im at lake taupo in the internet cafe applying for my australia working visa. its pretty here and the sun continues to shine which is brilliant. just stopped at some volcano's, they're all dusty on top from some small "cough's"! they also are covered in snow. im going to go for a swim in a min and then bbq by the lake later so i better go and buy some food! last night i went to u u (?!) i think! it was a bar covered in mirrors, bit scary when you look like this! hehe.

hows home?

love you all xXx see you soon

Nichola

message from nanny

Hiya Nichola! - I think about you every day, and would send more messages if I had anything at all to tell you!! But I haven`t been Mad Dog Riverboarding, or tied to the back of a water jet - or swung across a river, or seen the beautiful Rainforest Retreat. The last time we heard you are at Healy`s Hotel, and ."having serious computer issues" - must be frustrating, but it has been wonderful to be able to keep in constant touch with you You have done so much more in this couple of months than most people will ever do in a lifetime... what a store of memories.... and what a store of photos!!!...I heard that you have sent one or two over (!!) but haven`t seen any yet - maybe tomorrow.

A nyway - not too long now before you return- of course WE ALL LOOK FORWARD TO THAT!!! We are all well - hope you are too. (hope your back is alright after river landing) Loads of LOVE
- Nanny and Grandad XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXx

Nichola has moved on to North Island

23rd of November and Nichola has moved on to Wellington. She is staying at the Abel Tasman Hotel and as well as her sight seeing is going to meet up with a old langley school friend who now lives in New Zealand.
She has visited Te Papa museum and beach which there are a few pictures of posted here.

Located in the heart of Wellington's Central Business District in Willis Street, the Abel Tasman Hotel is the place to stay when you are in Wellington.
Surrounded by shops, restaurants, bars and cafes, theatres and night clubs plus Te Papa - the Museum of New Zealand. It's all only 10 minutes level walk away and yet you are only one block from the Northern motorway on/off ramp. Simple and easily to find!

22nd November Bealy's Hotel

Location
Situated just 15 minutes walk from the city centre, this property is close to the local attractions, which include Canterbury Museum, Christchurch Arts Centre, gondola as well as the International Antarctic Centre.

Rooms
The hotel features 46 beautifully appointed guestrooms that are facilitated with modern amenities to make your stay a pleasant one.

Restaurant
The on-site restaurant serves delicious cuisine for you to feast on. You can also chill out at the cosy bar with an exotic drink after a busy day.

General
The hotel offers well-appointed meeting rooms for organising your corporate as well as social events. Guests can avail the services of fax as well as safe deposit box.

21st November

Nichola is at the Rain Forest Retreat Franz Josef.

Rainforest Retreat is located in the heart of Franz Josef Glacier village, on the West Coast of New Zealand's South Island. Rainforest Retreat offers new, well equipped accommodation superbly nestled in six acres of native New Zealand rainforest, and only minutes walk from the local village. We have enjoyed creating this as an exclusive area of the park, offering just two Tree Houses and six Tree Lodges set amongst a beautiful secluded, natural environment.

Rainforest Retreat offers a comprehensive range of accommodation with outstanding facilities to make your stay a truly memorable time. Come and explore New Zealand's glaciers while staying at Rainforest Retreat, offering you a spectacular combination of mountains and bush at your doorstep. For activity, Franz Josef has it all Fixed wing flights, Heli-hikes, Guided glacier walks, horse trekking, skydiving, walks...

Facilities on site available for your use include:
Monsoon Restaurant and Bar
Hair dryers in Retreat rooms
Heating and air conditioning for ultimate comfort
Private hot bubbly spa (small charge)
Large public spa
Scandinavian Sauna
In room SKY TV
All weather BBQ
Track and Walking information
Hot wash laundry

News from mum

Hi Nic

Thought I would email you this time rather than text. It was great to receive your parcel today with the DVD with your pictures on it. It all looks fantastic particularly the wondering sunsets and also the pictures on yourself and fellow travellers are good to see. I also liked the baby kangeroos they are so sweet. As you know it bought tears to my eyes and I couldn't even read the card to dad down the phone! silly me!!

You ask a lot about what is happening hear - well not a lot really, nothing changes. Don't expect too much re the bathroom. Dad has been working hard tiling and we had his friend here to plaster as you know because we had holes in the walls!! but its starting to look better although we have no bath or wash basin so everyone is using the shower and all washes and teeth cleaning happen in the kitchen now. Still I expect you won't find it too much of a pain. You never know things may have moved on by the time you get back.

Dad has gone to Langley with Sophie because she has got mad keen on going to Kenya for four weeks in 2009 as part of a World Challenge expedition. The cost is £3,500 and she says she intends to raise the cash herself but first of all she has to get selected. We will see!!

I have been wearing my lovely necklace since it arrived - thank you so much again. I really enjoyed my birthday. In the day I went to the Kings Road with Bev. She bought me lunch in Peter Jones in the Brasserie which was lovely and afterwards we had a make over which was scarey! Then we did some shopping, coffee and home. A good day. In the evening we went to Coombe Lodge as you know and had lots of fun and food. I had loads of lovely presents, including my one carat diamond eternity ring from dad which is gorgeous and a lovely watch from nan and grandad. It was a very special day and one I shall always remember. Thank you to everyone who made it so good for me xx

Can't believe its nearly time for you to come home already although it does also seem a long while since you left. I shall have to wash your bed soon! Seems that Emma and me will be picking you up from the airport. Grandad has offered too but I think we will be the ones. Thanks for the offer though dad.

Going out tonight with Lee and Steve - I think she has got a present for me. Seems I have been partying all week. Take care my darling, miss you and love you lots XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Nichola's News

Hey!

So my blog pretty much says it all! Today I went into Queenstown for a look around. It's very nice here with big lakes surrounded by snow capped mountains and the sun is shining hot, which I think is a bit of a rarity here! I went Mad Dog river boarding this afternoon which is like white water rafting but on a body board instead of a boat... you get very wet! It was really exciting and the guides were good at making sure you go in the right direction. At the end we got a ride tied to the back of a water jet. I also went down a slide on my body board which was awesome as you skidded almost to the other side of the river! And I went on the swing across and dropped into the water, although I didn't land very well and hurt my back a bit but it seems ok now. It was a good belly/back flop anyhow! I just had a Ferg Burger for dinner which was a bit of a beast, really tasty too.

I saw all the pictures from Mum's birthday! They look really merry hehe! I was sad not to have been there, it looks like you had a good time. I'm glad you get to have some fun too!

So what else is new at home? I'm looking forward to seeing you all soon.

I'm having serious computer issues tonight, this is my 3rd internet cafe grr! Anyway I hope you are all well...

LOVE YOU LOTS!

Nichola xXx

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Nichola's news

Did funyaks (sort of inflatable canoe thingy)jet boat and Kayak through the Flim location for Lord of the Rings, very pretty. Went through a chasm. Was hot today going to minus five ice bar tonight and Skyline Restaurant.

Message from Nanny

Hi Nichola!- I`ll write this very quietly cos I think you re in bed! , We were quite excited to get message from you while having birthday din at Coombe Lodge. You can see from the pic that your Mum is proudly showing off her new opal necklace. It was a.great evening - would have been even better if you were there! Many thanks for card with details of more of your adventures - how I wish I could have filmed the whole thing!! Love you XXXXXXXNo

Mums special birthday meal

You may not have been with us Nichola but you were in all our thoughts. As was Adam who could not be there because he had to work.....

Queenstown Lodge 18th November

This could be the next ride of terror for Nichola to try.....Good luck Nichola

Milford 17th November

Today Nichola is at Milford Real journeys.When day visitors depart, a silence descends... twilight is a special time at Milford Sound and it’s yours to enjoy as you cruise throughout this magnificent fiord. Real Journeys offers three overnight cruise options at Milford Sound on board the Milford Mariner (sleeps 60), the Milford Wanderer (sleeps 61) and the MV Friendship (sleeps 12). Each cruise has the same focus on sharing the wonders of Milford Sound through in-depth commentaries and a variety of activities. They do, however, differ in terms of the accommodation offered - ranging from private cabins with ensuite bathrooms to bunk-style compartments. Coach connections from Queenstown and Te Anau, plus flyback option.

Lake Ohau Lodge

Nichola is at the Ohau Lodge.One of New Zealand’s best kept secrets, Ohau ski resort is located between Queenstown and Christchurch, just off the Mackenzie Plains highway. Though not as popular as the ski resorts in the Canterbury or Southern Lakes regions, Ohau is nevertheless well worth visiting, boasting a diverse selection of trails, good slope conditions and empty runs.

Ohau is a small, friendly resort with superb views of Mount Cook and Lake Ohau, and fabulous accommodation options just a short drive from the ski field. The resort hosts a number of exciting winter events including a festive Irish weekend, a winter ball and the Highland Games.

There are ski trails for all to enjoy at Ohau, with 20 percent of the skiable area at the resort devoted to beginners and 30 per cent to advanced riders, while the bulk of runs (50 per cent) are wide, sloping intermediate trails. The slopes are served by a fixed grip lift, a platter and a lengthy T-bar lift. The resort is almost 6,562 feet above sea level at its highest point, with a 1,312 feet vertical drop.

Excellent lodging facilities are available at Lake Ohau Lodge, with 75 rooms encompassing four different varieties of accommodation, from basic backpacker units to luxury double rooms. The lodge is located a 15-minute drive from the ski field, offering convenient access to the slopes. Alternative accommodation is available at both Twizel and Omarama, both located approximately 30 miles from the resort. On-site facilities at Ohau include a ski patrol, rental shop, ski school, and a resort cafeteria.

Hello NicNic,

It's been such a long time since I last saw you and I miss you very much. I see you have made lots of nice new friends but I hope they don't stick their tongue out at you like some people in NZ.

I'm getting really big as I eat 3 meals a day but I don't have to eat mealworms or nasty bugs. I don't scream in the car very often now and I sleep in my cot until I get bored and then I wake everyone up.

Mummy and daddy have been watching "I'm a Celebrity Get me out of here" but they said they didn't see you.

Can't wait to give you a big hug when you come home.

with lots of love from
Elise
XXXXX

New Zealand

We did quickly see Nichola on MSN last night but she didn't say much so here is some info on NZ.

New Zealand is a country in the south-western Pacific Ocean comprising two large islands (the North Island and the South Island) and numerous smaller islands, most notably Stewart Island/Rakiura and the Chatham Islands. In Māori, New Zealand has come to be known as Aotearoa, which is usually translated into English as The Land of the Long White Cloud. The Realm of New Zealand also includes the Cook Islands and Niue, which are self-governing but in free association; Tokelau; and the Ross Dependency (New Zealand's territorial claim in Antarctica).

New Zealand is notable for its geographic isolation, being separated from Australia to the northwest by the Tasman Sea, approximately 2000 kilometres (1250 miles) across. Its closest neighbours to the north are New Caledonia, Fiji and Tonga.

The population is mostly of European descent, with the indigenous Māori being the largest minority. Non-Māori Polynesian and Asian people are also significant minorities, especially in the cities. Elizabeth II, as the Queen of New Zealand, is the Head of State and, in her absence, is represented by a non-partisan Governor-General. The Queen 'reigns but does not rule.' She has no real political influence, and her position is largely symbolic.[3] Political power is held by the democratically-elected Parliament of New Zealand under the leadership of the Prime Minister, who is the Head of Government.

Nichola's news

Hello!

I'm suprised you're getting help in to do the plastering, that's all! From what I hear you need it (hehe) Emma was moaning!

So, here I am in New Zealand! It was very pretty flying in. I've been lazy today catching up on missed lay-ins and watching some movies in my room. I have two double beds to myself so I put them both together haha! Would be good if I could ship you lot in, I'd sleep on the floor then to fit you all in.

So I had a very small wander via the supermarket earlier and I don't think there's too much to see here in Christchurch. All I have is a kettle and a teaspoon but I'm quite pleased with my healthy-ish food supply - it's hard not to eat badly when you're on the go! Nick from my last tour (from Croydon!) is also on this next tour, starting friday. He just messaged me so we might meet up and explore.

I've just been given an extra hour on internet for minding the hotel reception for a minute or too haha! Didn't even have to move.

As for Melbourne I've been doing a bit more research and STA are saying it might be cheaper to fly back mid January, although I'm finding better flights elsewhere with random airlines. I don't think I'll be booking anything until I get home as I want to sort out my visa first, but if all goes to plan then I'll be going sooner rather than later. I don't want to be hanging around with no job. You'll still have to put up with me on Christmas and Boxing day though! I think New Year will be at home, and I can celebrate Australia Day in Melbourne afterwards which is meant to be just as big!

So Emma finally got her date to move - about time really! That must be exciting. What else has happened at home?

Thinking of you all lots (people say you're a good looking bunch - ha, yes, they've seen the pictures!)

Love you lots xXx

Nichola

Nanny news

Thanks for sending the great pics - I`ve been hoping that you would, so that we can get an even better idea of the great time you are having! I specially like the one with the Aussie hat with corks, and we now have it as a screensaver.
Its strange to think of you now in New Zealand, and look forward to hearing about the differences...hope you enjoy it as much as you enjoyed Australia. Think I`ll go on the web and give myself a geography lesson re New Zealand.!
Thank you again Nichola - and much love, as ever. XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

And more

Nichola has now left Australia and is in New Zealand for the next stage of her adventure. Keep checking the blog for updates !!!!