New Zealand In Depth: Not beating the ash cloud

Unfortunately Steve and Helen were not as fortunate as Steve and Nicky and were stranded in Auckland. They arrived to check-in for their Emirates flight at Auckland having heard nothing about the Iceland eruption and its effects and were told that UK airspace was closed because of the volcanic eruption. "What volcano!" was Steve's understandably horrified response, no doubt picturing Stoke-on-Trent being devoured by basaltic lava.

As well as the great feedback below, we have some brilliant photographs which are much appreciated Steve and Helen.

Dear Paul

Just a quick not to say that Helen and I are now safely back at home and it will be interesting to see how long it takes us to re-adjust to UK time.

We would both like to say a big "thank you" to both you and Rebecca for your help, firstly with the holiday and secondly for our additional 2 weeks of volcano delay. The accomodation you arranged for us was ideal from a comfort and location point of view and allowed us plenty of freedom to do what we wanted, when we wanted. The activities that you arranged for us all went well and in addition to this we managed to add quite a few first for us as well. The weather was really kind to us and didn't stop us from doing anything.

As an additional bit of information that you may not be aware of is that The Church in Hahe is up for sale. Also, apparently the beach level at hot water beach has changed recently and the tide doesn't go out as far as it used to. This leaves a smaller area of beach in the hot water area, but it's still a lovely beach.

Thanks again

Steve Nuthall