Auckland Arrival

It was sad waking up to the knowledge it was the groups last few hours together. Breakfast was a 9am start, and time to reflect on the week. We had received an email from our original tour leader Tom, which was nice to read out. We all wore our new Pacific Discovery t-shirts handed out last night, and headed out in the freezing cold to the lake front for a final group photo. It was then really sad to wave off and say goodbye to Rachel. After this, the rest of us headed up the skyline gondola again, but this time to have a go at the Luge. Set up as little toboggans on wheels, you head down a concrete track. You get several gos, transferring from the finish line to the start on a chair lift. It had been booked for yesterday, but the wind was too strong. It was so much fun, and after two runs on the scenic track, we hit the advanced route. It has much steeper sections and dips and was so much fun! Although distracting for the time before we all flew out of Queenstown, it was soon time to leave. We walked back to the hostel, where 5 of us caught the first shuttle to leave. It was the first goodbyes to members of the group we had spent the whole month with. There were for sure some tears :(. We headed up to the airport and checked in. A quick hot chocolate later and it was time for me to board my flight - first to leave. The final goodbyes and I was through security and waiting at the gate. The flight was short and beautifully scenic. Passing up over the southern alps, and viewing the Franz Josef and Fox glaciers from above we're particular highlights. My uncle was awaiting my arrival in Auckland, as I am to spend the next 10 days there before heading back to the UK. We manage to squeeze my large duffel into his fan Audi TT, and were on our way. Hitting Auckland traffic at 4:30pm on a Thursday night was not ideal, but we were soon back at the lovely family home and tucking in to a Macaroni Cheese for dinner. Yum. It is great to sit down properly for the first time in weeks, and finally have the chance to catch up on the Olympics - which GBR are seeming to do incredibly well at this year. Time for a decent nights sleep!!