I've now made my way to Owhango, not far from Whakapapa and Taupo and I'm staying with my old skool friend Roy, his 6, sorry 7, lovely lawn mowers, beautiful partner Tarsh and gorgeous daughter, Millie (and cat Buster).

Because Roy still wets the bed he was up early and dragged me to Taupo to collect stuff for his mowers or summat. He also did a great job of tour guide showing me numerous local sights - the highlight being where he works at Whakapapa ski resort - was absolutely beautiful. I even got to go on the snow despite it being summer here.

Obviously Roy is outside mowing the lawn, leaving me to kick back and conserve energy for tomorrow - he's making me get up even earlier to do the Tongariro Crossing!