Conclusion of an amazing trip...

I really don't know what there is to say about the time I spent away in New Zealand.
The tour was fantastic and I met some amazing people - some of which, I hope will remain friends for life! The activities we did were fantastic, and I not only surprised others, but myself with my willingness to try everything, hoping to have no regrets for the trip! And in the main art I don't! I tried everything pre-paid and booked! The only events I really did not pursue were Zorbing (I would have most definately been sick) and Sky-Diving. Although I wish I had the guts to do this, with my fear of flying, jumping out of a plane is last on my list!
Highlights of the tour for me were the cities - Auckland, Wellington, Queenstown, the helpfulness and friendliness of Kiwis everywhere, and the oppurtunity to try so many new things! Rafting was a personal favourite (Although the boat flipped!)
Lowlights - there really aren't many except perhaps being tired, hungry etc. The mountain biking was gruelling but I do not regret it - anything but.
It is impossible to summarise the trip but in an attempt I would say a fantastic month to try new things, make new friends, and really learn alot about yourself!
Auckland on my own (away from the group but with family) was also brilliant. So nice to have a base from which to work and travel. Seeing family I haven't had the oppurtunity to spend all too much time with was fantastic. The Mayes family really made me one of the gang and I felt so at home - sometimes as though I had never left my own front room! And seeing Dad's cousin A and her young boys was brilliant, such a beautiful family, and A's contribution to helping me find things to do, places to go, what to eat and buy etc. was invaluable information!
The flight home was as expected gruelling. But flying into Manchester, grabbing my bag and gliding through passport control to be greeted by my Mum, Sister, and Nephew was fantastic. I knew it would happen and the tears started! Shattered, overwhelmed, and so happy to see everyone, it has taken a few days to relax back into things and recover from the jetlag!