First few days in Auckland (The City of Sails) on the North Island of New Zealand

So we left San Diego after 4 days and that was enough to see the sights there and also have a quick trip into Mexico for some fine Margaritas and spicy food. We enjoyed the city but were ready for some homely atmosphere. Arriving in Auckland at 4.45am Gareth had very impressively got himself out of bed to pick us up and it was just what we needed. The boys were fine but tired and we really didn't fancy driving around in the darkness ourself. The initial cold weather was a bit shocking to the system, but very quickly we got used to it and as true northeners have actually enjoyed it a lot. We have been lucky as the promised rain dissappeared when we arrived and we've had cold but crispy sunshinhy days - perfect for the sights in NZ.
We've stayed for 3 days with Gareth and Amanda and it has been just great. They've got a nice house in the posh part of town with a lovely beach and playgrounds for the boys. Relaxing for a few days at home and having a few cheeky drinks (and then some more) have been just what we needed (apart from the hangover tour in Auckland with two boys who didn't want to walk at all that day)!!!! Sebastian very sweetly explained to Gareth and Amanda that his mor and daddy don't have jobs, a house or a car but thats ok because we are on a long holiday and he can do his schoolwork here (he now insists on an hour of preschool work everyday - we always said he'd go far!! However, to their mums dismay they've taken a liking to Rugby and are rehearsing tackles at every opportunity....the joys of parenthood are subsequently tested a bit!!
Yesterday we ventured up to the Northland part of the North Island and it was just breathtakingly beautiful. All the pictures you see of New Zealand just doesn't do it justice for when you are actually there and driving through such amazing landscapes the feeling is just pure satisfaction. Already we can't wait to see more of these islands and will start the grand 2 week tour today in which we expect beaches, mountains, sun shine, rain, snow, walking, skiing, bathing in hot pools and thermal mudbaths,encountering Mauri culture and the list just goes on. Needless to say we completely understand why people would leave the UK (don't worry mum, we are still coming home to DK....)
Now the only pain so far has been the pain Ian endures driving a small car(well a mini compared to the States) and the rest of us can live with that so for now there is not much else to report