New Zealand, for those really naive people out there, lies in the Pacific Ocean, South/East of Australia.

I grew up in Rotorua, (otherwise known as Rottenrua - because of its foul rotten eggs smell - sulphur). 
So here I was born, in 1978, at Rotorua Public Hospital.  I then went on to go to Helen Gardner kindergarten 1981-1983), next door to Rotorua Intermediate.
From kindergarten I then went on to do my  primary schooling at Western Heights Primary (1983-1989) followed by Kaitao Intermediate (Jan 1990 - March 1990), but a move across the city then saw me go to Rotorua Intermediate, 1990-1991.  That was the end of my co-ed education.  I was then sent to Rotorua Girls High School from 3rd form through to 6th (1992-1995).  (I tried to get myself kicked out of school in 1992, so I could go to a co-ed school... but now, I thank god I didn't.
I never did 7th form, as I thought I would not make the most out of it, so I did some tertiary education at Waiariki Polytechnic (also in Rotorua) in 1996 & 1997.

It wasn't until February 1 1998, that I ventured out on my own two feet (never to look back).

Rotorua is reknown for its volcantic activity - mudpools, gysers, hot springs and that horrible rotten egg smell.
The word Rotorua is Maori, meaning second lake.  The Rotorua region boasts many lakes, including the Blue Lake, Lake Rerewhakatau, Tikitapu, Okataina, and most famously Lake Tarawera.  (there are lots more but I can't remember all of their names!
Rotorua, is a caldera, a lake that has formed in the crater of a volcano.  Mokoia Island, which is in the middle of the Lake, is the remains of the core.  (there is a a maori legend of Hinemoa & Tutanekai and Mokoia Island).
Last I heard Rotorua has a population of about 64,000 peoplem - although not a overly diverse city, the population is mainly made of up of Maori and Pakeha (pakeha is the maori word for caucasian), with only a handful of Asians.

Its conveniently (but not conveniently enough), only 3/4 hr drive north away to the beaches of The Mount, Papamoa & Pukehina, an hour drive west to Hamilton, 2 hours north to Auckland, 3/4 hr to the great fishing at Lake Taupo, and 2 hours to the ski slopes and walking tracks of Tongariro, Ruapehu & Ngauruhoe.

In  my yonger years, I spent many a christmas holiday in Palmerston North, where my dad's parents lived, in a huge white house on Featherston Street.  The house behind them had a pool, and my nana had beautiful rose gardens, and bobo had his tool shed and his vege patch and his glass houses.  In the front yard, was a big acorn tree, which Bobo hung a swing from for me (and my siblings and cousins).
The trip from Rotorua to Palmerston North was always trecheous, and always seemed to take forever.  The winding roads through the mountains oftain made me feel sick, and I always got bored travelling along the long straights after the Desert Road stopped winding, unless it was wintertime, and we were fortunate to come across a snowfall.  I was always so excited about going to Nana & Bobos, nana always made us kids sweets and biscuits, and Bobo always seemed to find a present for us.

THE ROCKS
The Rocks is a historical tourist precinct, full of narrow cobbles streets, fine colonial buildings, cnverted warehouses, tea rooms and stuffed koalas.  Its a delightful place to wander around.
On the weekend, you could enjoy The Rocks market, or you could enjoy a few beers at any of the many pubs.

CIRCULAR QUAY
Built around Sydney Cove, Circular Quay is one of the citys major focal points.  In its earlier days, this area was the shipping centre of Sydney, but now its a commnuting hub and recreational space, and the overseas passenger terminal for those who arrive by sea.
 

THE OPERA HOUSE
World famous, the Opera House is situated on the eastern headland of Circular Quay.  Its soaring sail-like shell-like roofs were actually inspired by palm fronds.
Always buzzing with people, its best to experience a performance here, or just mill around in a outdoor cafe, watching the harbour life.
The Opera House has 4 main auditoriums and hosts classical music, ballet, theatre, film and also Operas.
On a Sunday, there is a bussling craft market in the forecourt.  And if yiou are lucky, sometimes in the evening, you will see the Opera House change colours.

SYDNEY HARBOUR BRIDGE"the old coat hanger"
The Harbour Bridge links the North Shore to South Shore.  It was completed in 1932 and cost over $20 billion dollars to build.
If you have the opportunity, climb up one of the pylons, and check out the history of the Bridge, or if you are a little more game, climb "up and over" the bridge.
At New Years, and other special occasions, Sydney has displayed magnificent fireworks displays from the Bridge.
One of my most favouite places in Sydney, is Darling Harbour. It is a huge leisure park on the city centre's western edge.  Harbourside is a centre full of shops, cafes, bars and restaurants (as well as the Ettamogah pub - which is a must stop and have a beer place).
There are heaps of snazzy restaurants popping up, and one of Sydney's "to be seen" clubs, HOME is situated at Cockle Bay Wharf..
Street entertainment is not unusual at Darling Harbour, and the street performers are worth while stopping to watch (just make sure you throw them a couple of dollars).
Darling Harbour (Tumbalong Park) hosts many famous entertainers - who put on free concerts for the people.
Also at Darling Harbour, is the Convention Centre, a IMAX cinema, a chinese garden, a floating restaurant, the Sydney Exhibition Centre, The Sydney Entertainment Centre, Sydney Aquarium, Segaworld, Powerhouse Museum and the National Maritime Museum.
In the evenings, from Wednesday through to Sunday, there is a magnificent light, sound and water show at Cocklebay, last I remember shows were at about 8pm and again at 9pm - and it is free.

Kings cross
Sydney's redlight district, which has been cleaned up considerably over these last 10 years, is still an eyeopener for any traveller.  The occasional working girl,  trannie or drug dealer can be seen in the darker streets around the area - as well as a mecca of Adult shops andd strip clubs.  Two of my favourite restaurants are in The Cross - Jojos - which is a traditional Japanese restaurant, and also Govindas, a vegetarian restaurant ran by the Hare Krishnas - all you can eat for about $15 followed by a movie in their "cushion room".
Not a place to go to by yourself at night, even though I've done it a handful of times, its great to sit in the "Fishbowl" and have a beer and watch the people walk by, or grab a burger at Maccas, and sit upstairs and look down.

Oxford Street
Oxford Street, Paddington/Darlinghurst is the predominatly Gay Community.  Oxford Street has many Gay pubs, as well as some very trendy straight and mixed clubs.  My favourite pub (in that area) would have to be the Albury Hotel, which has drag shows everynight of the week (this is also gay pub!).   I've had many a great night there!!  Also, once a year, there's the huge Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras which winds through the city and along Oxford Street.  I went along both in 1998 and 1999, and they go offfffff!