Where to start to explain the past week and a half?

When I left Australia it still didn't feel like I was about to leave the country again. Perhaps because I was going via Melbourne, so it had more of a holiday feel. Although the extra luggage should have been a good reminder.

I spent two days in the Yarra Valley at Domain Chandon, having an induction of the Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton company. The reception from my new colleagues was amazing, and the induction required fantastic lunches, dinners and wine tastings so who could find fault?

In fact, the only downside was a delayed flight out of Melbourne which forced me to stop in Auckland for a night. The hotel the airline put me up in was the worst - I had to ask three times for a beer during dinner - an unforgivable sin.

Since arriving in Blenheim, everything has been perfect. I was given the use of a company car, the sun was shining and I drove for two days all around the region, up to Picton, along Queen Charlotte Drive to Havelock, out to the coast at Rarangi and, naturally, stopped off some wineries.

Everyone said NZ was beautiful - but until you see it, it's hard to imagine. I will get photos uploaded as soon as I can. One advantage of the Auckland stopover was flying in over the Marlborough Sounds during the day - stunning.

I now have my own car - a 4WD no less to ensure as much adventure as possible, and the locals have been quick to list places I must visit. I have my next few months of weekends sorted.

As for work, it's straight into the thick of things with an event in my second week and some city trade visits the week after so I'm cramming to learn as much as possible. I'm told I can only use the excuse of being the 'new girl' for two weeks. Shame.