We have been with Denise and David for the last three days and have been taken to some fantastic beaches on the east and west coast above Auckland which again have been awesome. Have seen te NZ branch of the Eele family agian and the nearly finished house. We have also taken two days out to go up to the Bay of Islands (The solent of the North Island)- scenery completely different again, huge old Kauri trees at least 1500 years old and a forect that went on for 25...

Now back in Auckland, staying with our friends - Denise and David from Mancheter - who are staying in their friends house in Torbay (whilst their friends have gone off to do some fruit picking). Life does sound complicated. Had a horrible journey from the airport, with torrential rain and a hire car which decided to mist up very quickly. Had a lovely day out with them to a beach on the west coast - Muriwai - which is 9 kms long and is of black sand. There wa...

We are back in Christchurch after our last stop in Oamaru, which was a fabulous place, built from local limestone. We also saw two different types of penguin - the yellow eyed and the little blue. We watched them come in to roost at night and climb up the cliff to their little houses. It poured with rain last night and was still raining this morning but sun out now although a cold wind. Weather has changed in the Southern Alps - they have had snow. Van is al...

Quite a misty trip from Te Anau towards Invercargill. Visited Bluff but wished we hadn't - nothing there. Stayed at a Top 10 site about 10 minutes out of Invercargill which is a strange place!! Then drove towards the Catlins, which were magnificent - very lush greenery and loads of trees, with huge deserted beaches. Visited Cathedral Caves which are only accessible when it is low tide. Took shoes off and not sure if it was there or later in the campsite whic...

Travelled alongside Lake Wakatipu to Kingston where we planned to have a ride on the Kingston Flyer. Martin was in his element. It was a cute little train. The campsite that night felt a bit odd at first , but improved when other vans arrived. Trip to Lake Te Anau was dramatic as we crossed the plains with 120km wind. Martin had to slow down considerably and keep both hands on the steering wheel. Decided to go for both the Sounds as some people said each was...