Tuesday 3rd April 2007. Christchurch. New Zealand.

This is what they say about just three of my stops in New Zealand and I agree...that's why I have extended my stay!!

New Zealand's awesome landscapes, lush forests, amazing wildlife and mild climate make it a haven for many outdoor activities and a great place to unwind. This spectacularly beautiful landscape includes gorgeous beaches, lush rainforests, geothermal and volcanic activity and majestic mountain ranges. It has a temperate climate and fascinating animal and plant life...there are so many different landscapes, environments and ecosystems close to each other.

New Zealand has a population of 4 million making it one of the world's least crowded countries. It is a haven for those seeking rejuvenation and relaxation as well as an adventure playground for thrill seekers from the beautiful beaches of the North Island to the stunning Southern Alps in the South Island.

Haere mai, talofa lava, kia orana, malo e leilei, bula vinaka...there are many ways to be welcomed to Auckland with its blend of islands, Polynesian culture, glistening harbours and modern city environment which creates a desirable lifestyle ranked amongst the best in the world. Auckland is known as the City of Sails for many reasons but predominantly as it is rumoured to have the highest number of boats per capita in the world, testament to its Americas Cup victories.

Auckland's warm coastal climate encourages outdoor pursuits. It is cosmopolitan and cultured with museums, art galleries, restaurants and cafes, diverse languages and ethnicities. The city pulses to the cool, rythmic beat of a Polynesian drum and as New Zealand's largest city more than a million people call it home.

Accessible remains of pre-European Maori occupation are etched into the slopes of Auckland's volcanic cones. Climb Mount Eden where defensive fortifications are clearly evident along with the rectangular pits the Maori dug to protect their harvest of Kumara. The city is an archaeological wonder built on an isthmus of 48 volcanoes, once home to Maori tribes which cultivated its rich soils, the fertile valleys and islands are now home to award winning wineries.

With its wide open spaces, floral and architectural beauty and a range of activities to suit all tastes Christchurch is the Garden City. Bordered by hills and the Pacific Ocean it is situated on the edge of the Canterbury Plains and is in an area of tremendous geographical contrast. Although the largest city in the South Island it is still incredibly friendly and at the same time elegant and sophisticated.

Rotorua sits in the heartland of New Zealand's Central Volcanic Plateau. As well as being the spiritual home of the Maori it also boasts the title of nature's spa of the South Pacific hosting some incredible earth forces.

Manaakitanga...Feel the Spirit is a deep-rooted concept in Maori culture. For more than 160 years the Arawa people of Rotorua have been guiding visitors through the natural thermal wonders that they have called home for six centuries.

From the moment you enter Rotorua you know it is like nowhere else. Lazy drifts of steam escape from cracks and crevices in thermal parks, among manicured gardens and even via gratings in residential streets throughout the city. These constant steam drifts and the distinctive tang of sulphur in the air let people know they are in Rotorua, New Zealand's only geothermal city.

Within a few minutes walk of the central business district the stark beauty and splendour of the volcanic landscape is displayed in many forms from hissing geysers which hurl spray 30 metres into the air from deep within the earth's crust to continually bubbling and plopping mud pools. Geothermal activity provides the source of Rotorua's fame as a spa resort. Picturesque cobbled streets, beautifully laid-out gardens and striking Tudor architecture celebrate the city's colonial past.

After a full day of project work I am more than ready to dine tonight at the wonderful Cook 'N' With Gas at the Arts Centre before I head over to see Bombshells at The Forge.

This Joanna Murray Smith play is a one woman show that is described as savvy, sassy and exquisitely crafted...and it was. Transformed across a series of monologues we head through 'six shades of modern women' and through life, love, triumph and tragedy.

From child, to mother, abandoned wife to widow, bride to the negativities of a career woman (this role is set as a stilted performer and arguably there is some degree of self-portraiture there for the theatre world). The monologues are observant, truthful and witty and this performance was quite simply excellent.

As I walked home from the theatre tonight across Cathedral Square the spiritual heart of this city was bathed in the glorious lamplight of a misty moon and it was inspiring!