Christchurch

Well here we are at final NZ destination. Fortunate to experience one perfect day of Mt Cook followed by a deluge of rain which has continued on and off since we decided to head down to the coast for respite. (This apparently is the depression that brought flooding to Queensland). - I realise that there will be little sympathy back home!
Headed up the coast from Timaru and arrived in Christchurch in time to sample cathedral life on Sunday then off to an enjoyable mini excursion to Banks Peninsula - one a volcanic island off the mainland but now 90 minute drive. Stayed a night and nearly bought a winery with a fabulous view over Akaora. Now back experiencing the city life and shortly about to squeeze everything back in the bags. Fly off on Thursday to Sydney and then HK - with sightseeing built in. Will look forward to sharing a few experiences with you in a while.

The Southern delights

Fox Glacier - wonderful even in the rain! Enjoyed the bungy jump in Queenstown (needless to say as spectators) and climbed the heights of Bob's Peak with great views over Queenstown. Onto Fiordland with great weather restored and down to Milford Sound where we experieced the majesty of the surroundings with a cruise down and out into the Tasman Sea. Yesterday we walked some of the Kelper Track - 28 km of mostly ancient woodland - not enough mountain views! Today we travelled east to Dunedin, a large impressive city with a Scottish flavour - just returned from climbing the world's steepest street 1:2.8 (by foot!) Plans are to move north - enjoy some coast then back inland to Mt Cook. Will update when we arrive in Christchurch.

South Island

Stunning crossing from North Island to South Island - calm, sunny and beautiful fiords for the last hour to Picton. Travelled to hot Nelson and then on to whale watching at Kaikoura (from the beach!) Since then we have been doing some bush camping in the Alps and today climbed up to 6000' to Avalanche Summit (first bit of rain though didn't spoil some splendid views) we are now heading down the west coast to explore Fox and Franz Josef - Hoping to do some of the Kepler Track and then Queenstown. Trust you are all keeping warm back at home!!!!

Steamy things!

Exciting explorations of volcanic treats - especially White Island - NZ's most active. Situated 30 miles off the east coast, the trip itself was a delight with dolphins to entertain - though the return trip was a test for the hand grips. We have walked the Tongariro Crossing - reputed to be NZ best one day walk. The amazing scenary did not disappoint. We are heading south towards Wellington and planning our movements in South Island when we will write next.

Arrival down under

Stuttering start in Auckland after a long journey. However, after 24 hours, we are reunited with our bags and can finally get in and out of the motorvan! Spent a wonderful day enjoying Auckland with friends (Linda/Bruce) and have now arrived in Whakatane - Bay of Plenty - booked a trip to the White Island - active volcanic island 35 miles off shore. Then on to Rotorua and the Tongariro Crossing. Weather continues to be splendid!

Last tango in Buenos

Returned from the Iguazu Falls yesterday. Absolutely amazing! Water everywhere including the jetboat that we took a ride under the falls. Fascinating and colourful birds and wildlife - felt we were really in the jungle. Weather pretty hot/sticky and constantly changing from hot sunshine to heavy thunderstorms. AM tomorrow we depart for NZ - long flight so we have been pounding the streets of Buenos today calling in on places of interest - just off to celebrate at with a tango show! See you "down under"!

Back from Patagonia

we have just returned to Buenos Aires
from the bottom of the earth tempertures well into the 80 s. We have experienced fabulous sunsets and very light mornings. Wonderful wild life and scenery. Tomorrow we fly up to the Iguassu Falls for a couple of days. We have made arrangements to meet up with a very pleasant couple when we arrive in Wellington NZ. Hope things warm up for you back home!!