Well we made it! After 3 different planes and airports and not to mention the dreaded LA customs we are saddle sore and absolutely shattered, but really happy to be here.

The flights werent all bad; Nathan successfully watched 6 films while Nat...erm slept a lot! BA flights were fab - Qantas not as good and *jet star* wanted to know if we had any bags of chickens...? LOL. Finally - we found out they meant any bags to check IN ?! (Us Dorset folk aint used to the lingo!)

During the flights we saw an absolutely amazing sunset, which lasted for about 4 hours as we were flying in the right direction. Later we saw the lights of Las Vegas and a stunning night view of the vast LA. Sadly no photos otherwise we may have been shot!!

The flight from LA to Auckland was over the sea and dark so it gave us a chance to sort our body clocks out for the time difference of 13 hours ahead of the UK. Flying from Auckland down to Christchurch gave us stunning views of mountains, lakes, barrier reefs, loads of islands, and more coastal areas which we are going to see on our travels round at some point.

Our hotel and room is gorgeous (shame the WiFi not working as we are doing this in the library down the road!) and oh yes.... its an absolutely gorgeous and sunny 30oC! :-) we are officially HOT and wearing sunnies, shorts, t-shirts and a summery dress (not all together mind, only Nathan could fit into the dress!) - BLISSSSS :-D

From what we've seen so far of Christchurch, and despite its size (we think its probably equal to Exeter) we both feel (strangely!) very much at home here already - its very clean, there are lots of trees and parks, and the people are friendly. We will try and upload some photos tomorrow, although they will not be the best as they will be coming off Nats camera (and we all know who takes the best photos...)

Tonights plan is to have a nice meal and catch up on some sleep as we have to be up at 04:00 (yes thats AM!!) to get ready for our hot air balloon trip.

Bye for now. Love Nathan & Nat xxx