On our first full day in Sydney we met up with Karen, who we met in Africa, and she took us up to the Blue Mountains. Our first stop was the Three Sisters, three (apparently) very impressive columns of rock. As we drove up into the mountains, it had been getting progressively mistier, and at the first lookout we couldn't even see them! We decided to walk along the cliff to them to see if it was clear enough to see them from closer by. We could just about make them out, but I'm not sure we admired them as much as we would have done on a different day! We then headed to a skyline gondola and thought about taking one across the valley, but we still couldn't see much so decided it would be a waste of money! We then drove further inland to the Jenolan Caves, where we actually drove through a cave to get to the car park, and then took a tour around one of the caves. They were much more impressive than the ones we had seen in Asia so we were glad we did the extra driving. The day didn't quite go to plan due to the weather but it was nice to catch up with Karen and to see some of the inland areas.

Back in Sydney, we spent a day at the Olympic Park. Unfortunately we couldn't access all of it because of the Easter Show, but we just caught the last tour of the Telstra stadium, which was interesting to look round, and get the obligatory photos of us on the gold medal podium!

We also spent a day catching ferries around the harbour, walking across the bridge and around the Opera House, and going up the Sydney Skytower, which was much cheaper than the Bridge Climb would have been, and also a lot higher, so gave us a good orientation of the city.

When the weather cleared up a bit we also managed to spend a day at Manly Beach, and also doing the Bondi to Coogee coastal walk.

Alex also spent a day going up to Palm Beach, the location of Home & Away, and was lucky enough to watch them filming, while Andrew explored Circular Quay.

Alex then flew back to Adelaide to revisit Pete and Penny on KI, to get another dog walking fix and play with the puppies! She also got a sail in the last race of the local sailing club's season, crewing for Trish in a Pacer. It was really nice to be out on the water again and to see Kingscote from the bay. The highlight of the stay had to be going on a free marine tour of KI, spotting seals, dolphins, sea eagles and wedgies, and swimming with the dolphins. We were surrounded by dolphins, and you just had to look down to see about five underneath you, amazing! The trip was in aid of a TV documentary coming to the screens soon so watch out!! It was very sad to leave KI again, but we had a good last night (not so good next day!) and I'm sure I'll be back soon! My final night was spent in Adelaide catching up with Rafe. The best way to cure the previous nights wine inflicted hangover seemed to be vodka! I only had about 12 hours there but made the most of it, getting about an hours sleep before spending a horrific day in between airports, eventually arriving in Christchurch at 11pm the next night absolutely hanging!

Andrew flew straight from Sydney to Christchurch, where he met up with the Gossies. After managing to cadge a lift into town from the people I sat next to on the plane I headed to a backpackers as I was still to get hold of the Gossies number! I watched the Crusaiders play a Super 14 game in the bar of the backpackers over a couple of quiet beers which turned into a few jugs with a Welshman and his mate from Coventry! My plan for the following day was to organise some kite surfing lessons. I managed to achieve this eventually but getting up was definitely a struggle! After finding a number for the Gossies in the phonebook I caught up with them on the Sunday. Nikki was kid enough to come and pick me up from town and after the minor issue of identification we headed back to Lynfiend Av! Greame returned from diving and fishing trip in Fiordland that evening so we spent the night hearing some great trip stories!

I had my first Kitesurfing lesson with Sam the English instructor and after a briefing on safety we soon had the kite rigged up and flying it from side to side. We then entered the water for some body dragging - which is quite literally how you learn to power up the kite! We then got the board out and spent the next hour or so face planting, launching myself minus board, crashing the kite! However on my last go I did manage to get up and riding on the board so called it a day - very tiring!

I spent the next couple of days hunting unsuccessfully for a van! I did take one to Nelson (an old school friend) but was advised against it!!

I then had my next kite surfing lesson and managed to get up on the board going in both directions - is awesome - must do some more!

On Thursday evening I went to pay touch with Greame which is a poorly disguised excuse to go to the pub! We did however play some touch first, nice to play some sport!

Mid afternoon on Friday we headed north to the batch at Motenau. An awesome weekend of diving, fishing and drinking! We were diving for Crayfish which was the first time I had dived for anything other than just looking! A really enjoyable experience - so many crayfish everywhere! I also managed to catch my first fish! Then plenty more afterwards. You just dropped the line down and the blue cod jumped on the line and you reeled them in - easy as that! Apart from the sea sickness on mill pond like waters all was good! Baz and Hawkeye our boating/drinkning companions were both really good fun and very welcoming.

Monday was back to van hunting and after driving 3 vans decided on a Ford Econovan and Nelson gave it the thumbs up so a deal was done.

I then did some day exploring in the van with a visit to the Banks Penisular to see the French inspired town of Akoroa. Stunning scenary (think I may be saying that a fair bit in NZ!) and nice run out for the van! I also went to Arthurs Pass - around midway from the mountain pass from Christchurch to Greymouth - more scenic photo opportunities!