Another day - another swing bridge. We've been chasing the sunshine today across to the west of New Zealand and we've now caught up with it. The temperature has increased by 10 degrees, which is a lot better. We've been on a trip to Hokitika Gorge which is a large deep azure gorge with a rope bridge across. A bit more off roading (see video) and we've made it back to the town of Hokitika. We've had a look in a jade factory and a glass blowing store. We're stayi...

It's been a day of 4 wheel driving today. Decided to do the off road route in our white monster again, this time driving up the rocky section rather than down. By the time we got to the top it was 1 degrees and snowing, so looked a bit different from yesterday. The colour of the car had also changed to a muddy brown shade - think we may need to find a car wash before we return it to Hertz. This afternoon we did a 2 hour quad biking trip. Had lots of fun dr...

Arrived in Hamner Springs this afternoon after a great lunch at the Maruia River Lodge followed by a torrential rain storm as we crossed Lewis Pass. As luck would have it there were some 4 wheel drive tracks near out hotel. As we happened to have a 4x4 we thought that we'd give them a go. Went up Jack's Pass and back down Jollies Pass. Some fairly dramatic scenery and road conditions as you can see. Also spotted a hare and a few birds of prey. We might need to ...

Stopped of at the longest swingbridge in New Zealand (at Buller Gorge, 110 metres), on the way to the Hamner Springs. You can also zip wire the gorge and travel on a jet boat. We've got to head back this way so who knows?! See video for the full experience.

We've had a relatively relaxing day today. Visited the classic car and wearable art museum this morning. An incredible car collection (but no ac cobra) and a rather strange collection of clothes. We then went off the tourist route and stopped at a couple of scenic locations. There was a modern art trail at one of these (the region does seem to be full of arty bohemian types!). Just about to cook our first "balcony meal" since we finished motorcycling.