From the airport we were transferred to our Hotel where we enjoyed a meal together and then some downtime as many of us had been at our respective airports quite early in the morning.  On Sunday, after a short tour of Wellington and some shopping time – well what else would you expect – our driver took us to Houghton Bay where we spent over four hours dancing with Judy Pore and the Cook Strait Line Dancers. We had a wonderful afternoon - everyone was so friendly and welcoming. Judy taught us a dance “Tomorrow Never Knows” and John taught “Cabo San Lucas”. As well as Line Dance, John teaches clogging and was happy to treat us to a demonstration along with some of his fellow cloggers who were on the trip. Afternoon tea seemed to go on all afternoon and was followed by fish and chips, which everyone enjoyed.  It was a wonderful start to the holiday and, a great introduction to Line Dance North Island style. 

On Monday, we flew to Napier with its wonderful Art Deco houses and enjoyed a few hours enjoying the sights before joining the Napier Line Dancers and the Bay City Cloggers for an evening of dance at the Napier RSA. The hosts had arranged for our meal at the Club and we enjoyed a buffet meal at very modest cost. During the course of the evening John was invited to teach and obliged with “Ladylike” and “Cabo San Lucas”.  He also taught a Clogging routine which was well received. It was a great night which no one wanted to see come to an end. 

Next morning it was into the bus and on to Lake Taupo where we had a cruise on the Lake and were told of the history of the area.  It is a truly beautiful spot but a bit frightening to know there is an active caldera at the bottom of the lake! Then on to Rotorua and the Mercure Hotel – I think we all would have been happy to have a week at that Hotel! Our dancing here was with the Rotorua Marae Line Dancers and the charming Anne Hogg.  Again arrangements had been made for us to have a meal at the RSA club and it did not disappoint. John was the Master of Ceremonies for the evening -  something he excels at and obviously enjoys.  Ann presented him with a club T-Shirt with its distinctive Maori design.  A great gift and one I have seen him wear with pride back home in Melbourne. 

Wednesday was Line Dance free (unless we did a few steps in our rooms) and we went to Te Puia after lunch and to a traditional Hangi at Tamaki Village in the evening.  John was elected chief on our bus and was chosen to accept the traditional challenge from the village Chief.  A task he performed with solemnity and respect for the Maori culture, 

Thursday saw us head for Hamilton, with a stop along the way to see the Waitomo Glow Worm caves.  After checking into the motel, a cuppa and a ‘nanny nap’ seemed in order.  Then it was off to Hamilton Workingman’s Club where John had managed to obtain a late booking for us.  After a satisfying dinner, we joined Maurice and his class on the floor to enjoy our favourite pastime. 

Friday saw us back on the bus heading through Auckland for the Bay of Islands where we spent what remained of Friday and all day Saturday immersed in the beauty of this location. 

On Sunday we had a short detour to Waitangi Treaty House where we spent an hour or so wandering the grounds and looking at all there was to see before we were headed back to Auckland. 

Our last dance for the tour was at Point Chevalier RSA with Bill Chapman and his friendly dancers. Bill had a good and varied dance programme prepared and everyone enjoyed it so much.  Our bus driver even went to bring his mother down to watch and told us later that she hoped to start Line Dancing. 

Monday we were treated to a half day tour of Auckland and as our Bus drive hailed from that part of the world we were well informed.  After some time spent shopping (what else does a Line Dancer do when there is no dancing?) we returned to our hotel to prepare for dinner at the Sky Tower – food was wonderful and the view magnificent,