Back in Porirua, just outside of Wellington, staying at our homely motel. The weather was not good heading up from Christchurch, it rained and rained and rained.

We had intended to stay in Kaikoura, 100 miles north of Christchurch, for some whale watching but because of high winds no tours were operating. We did manage to stop and see a fur seal colony just north of Kaikoura. They were lovely; looked all soft and cuddly. Don't think Ray felt that way about them but he was quite excited to have seen them all the same.

When we reached Picton it was still raining but the forecast for the ferry was 'moderate'. They were expecting things to get worse, so with this in mind and not wishing to be stuck on the south island, we were on the next ferry.

We plan to head up the east coast of the north island tomorrow and stop at Napier, in the Hawkes Bay area, where there is plenty of Art Deco architecture - will let you know.

Jen and Ray