After arriving at Picton, I drove down the east coast to Kaikoura, whale country, and promptly booked a trip to go whale whatching the next day. The weather was fabulous with clear blue skies. We set out on the seas on a fast jet boat and were advised should we need to go to the loo, we should tell one of the crew so the captain could slow the boat down, the mind boggles. Within about fifteen minutes the first whale was spotted and we headed off to get a closer l...

After another long journey I arrived in Auckland and found the locals to be very friendly. I was first met by a lovely dog while waiting to collect my luggage. He was very excited and sniffing around. His owner quickly came over too. I think he was more interested in the spices in my bag than me. Then as I passed through customs a lady insisted on cleaning my walking boots. Very hospitable. Actually New Zealand are very protective and rightly so about preventing ...