A KIWI CHRISTMAS The arrival into Picton on the South Island of New Zealand is stunning - the Marlborough Sounds are lush hilly fingers of land snaking up into the Cook Straits, and are almost deserted apart from the occasional house or boat. A beautiful entrance to the South Island, which has very different geological and natural characteristics from the North Island. As we were driving and trying to keep clear heads, we reluctantly decided against spending a...

CHRISTMAS IN QUEENSTOWN

NANA PIGGY AND THE IGGY SMILLS We arrived into Auckland airport on the morning of the 11th December after 13 hours cramped up like sardines in LAN Chile's economy class (not recommended), having lost a day somewhere in the middle of the South Pacific. A bit dazed and confused, we were bowled over when Emma's cousin Angela came running up behind us to give us a massive hug. Now that's the kind of welcome we like! First stop, McDonalds Café for a traditional NZ ...

ROTORUA

AUCKLAND