Day 10 - Sunday 4th April

As the 6 of us awoke this morning (alex, Tamara, Mel, Tayla, Nikki and myself) to the knocking of Bianca, Courtney, Kirsten and Kate, we faced the harsh reality that today was the day we headed back to our beloved 'land down under'.

We ended our evening last night playing cards with the rugby boys - clearly dominating them - and then heading back to our rooms where we continued our discussions, eventually snoozing off.

Most of us rose at about 7.30am this morning and some then heading down to Starbucks and Maccas for a morning pick-me-up. Later, when all of our bags were packed and it was time to check out, you can imagine the excitement of Nicole, Mel, Tamara and myself when we had to wait 20 minutes to catch the elevator, only to discover we had in fact gout out on the wrong floor. We then waited a further 10 minutes for the lift so that we could try again.

After we had finally all grouped, checked out properly and played 'Bag Tetris', we walked to the Auckland Sky Tower - the tallest tower in the Southern Hemisphere with a height of 328m . The Sky Tower has a main viewing deck of which we all got our first 360 degree view of the city. It was incredible and slightly unnerving. Part of the main deck are glass floor panels which are apparently as strong as concrete, I'm not so sure!!!

Following we all went up to the next level to have Brunch in the revolving restaurant where we ate delicious meals such as eggs benedict, mixed grills and french toast and watched people brave the 'Sky Jump'.

After breakfast on our way to the airport, we made a quick stop over at Mt Eden - a giant volcanic crater and beautiful lookout.

Finally, after a great morning, we reluctantly headed for the airport where we checked in, passed through security where Alex was randomly tested for narcotics and Kate for any hidden liquids or gases and made our way arund the duty-free shopping. Now as I sit here on the place as it is just about to take off for home, I can definitely say that we have all had such a fantastic holiday and that it will always be remembered!!!

Emma S.

Day 9 - Saturday 3rd April

An interesting start to the second last day, followed from an interesting night. Whilst settling in for the right after some highly competitive rounds of cards, we were shocked to find we had a visitor - our new French friend, Celine, had scared us half to death as none of us were expecting her to be sharing our room. But not only us got the surprise, as she came to get her bags, she was greeted by 6 stunned girls, who were quite shocked as well.

The next morning was quite eventful as Ms Derrington had a throwdown with the parking attendant, who tried to rip us off but she pulled out her cards and we got through victorious - he is quite scared of us now.

Off to Mt Roskill Grammar and the bus was full of pump up music with a few hardcore cheers. Being our last game on tour, it was all or nothing and our girls went hard. We exploded on the court with our pre-game warcry and when the whistle blew, it began with a bang. It was goal for goal in the first and second quarters. Hitting the third quarter hard, Tamara (Player of the Match) with her intercepts and the defensive pressure stooped MRGS in their tracks. This enabled us to get the edge going into the fourth quarter. MRGS fired a few quick goals in the last quarter, giving them the lead - this tested our determination and fortitude. However, they were too strong for us in the end as we had met our match.

This game was definitely one of our best on tour with intensity and good sportsmanship from both teams. MRGS provided an amazing lunch and after the formalities, we proceeded to Trusts Stadium to watch an ANZ Championship match between Mystics and Magic. GO MAGICS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

What an epic game and the Magic won 55-46!!! I have never witnessed a match with so much enthusiasm and energy from the crowd - and yes, some of the girls lost their voices. It was incredible to see Irene Van Dyk shoot with Casey Williams (the insane GK - WOW) and the tough Centre court player. These were just some of our favourite players. What a great experience - after the match, we raced for signatures to cover our posters with.

Whilst travelling around and sight-seeing, we agreed that Auckland reminds us a lot of Sydney. Lesson for criggalls - if you use your mobile phone at the petrol station, you will soon find yourself busless!!!!

After a 9-day solid search for fish & chips with many close calls, we have finally found one open - the bus was stoked!!!! And we know it is not peak Netball playing food, it was so worth it, eating by the Marina.

Kate H.

Day 8 - Friday 2nd April

The day started off bright and early at 9.45am as we said goodbye to our new friend, Terry, at Stadium Motel in Hamilton. We set off on our 2 hour bus ride back to Auckland, which ended up as another musical trip - enjoyable for Mr Riggall and Ms Derrington!!!

After 2 hours of non-stop singing, we finally arrived with the teachers eager to stop somewhere for a break - a break from driving, not our fabulous singing of course!!! We stopped at North Head, Devenport for some pictures and to have lunch. North Head was used as naval barracks during World War 1 and World War 2. Furthermore, we also found out that they had to relocate the kitchens because they kept setting them on fire due to its wooden structure. The view across the harbour of Auckland was amazing and very relaxing.

As we departed North Head, we came across a magnificent lookout called Cyril Basset VC Lookout - dedicated to the only NZ soldier awarded the Victorian Cross medal for services during World War 1. Before we left, we spotted the cutest dog that apparently looked like 'Garfield', according to Bianca....even though Garfield is a cat!!!

We drove off to our next accommodation, The Base Auckland, which is a backpackers located in the heart of Auckland City. We got ready to look for fish & chips to enjoy at the Marina. Funnily enough, there were no stores that sold fish and chips!!!! So we resorted to our favourite options - McDonalds and Subway.

Looking forward to tomorrow's game v Mt Roskill Grammar and seeing loved ones on Sunday night at Brisbane Airport.

Nicole L.