Another long drive took us up to Motueka at the base of the Abel Tasman national park, a beautiful area that is very popular in the summer especially. It's very beautiful in winter too and not at all busy. We really wanted to do some kayaking and hopefully see seals up close. We had hoped to swim with them but this only happens in summer. We booked a kayaking trip and we delighted to learn when we arrived that we had been upgraded to an easier and longer trip! w...

The sun came out and once again we made an emotional departure from Waitaha. It's simply not possible to fully explain what a great time me and Dan there had but suffice to say Stu is a truly special person and we will see him again one day - hopefully when he comes to the Yorkshire Show next year! Yay! We drove up the crazy west coast to Punakaiki and stayed at the Beach Hostel where me and James had stayed. The private hut we'd had was closed though, due to th...

There's no photos of Arthurs Pass because the weather was very poor. The drive was very long and we both felt a bit ropey and tired from so much driving in the last few days. Stu had told us the night before that we would be house-sitting when we arrived as he had to go to a funeral. We were over the moon to return and see the gang trotting up the drive to see us again and felt privileged to have the run of the house as it were till Stu came back. There was much...

In more glorious weather we drove to Christchurch and stayed the night at Drifters backpackers. We had a mooch around town - it's just like being in Holland and Dan really loved it - and even put our faces on and went for a few beers in the evening. Lovely. We are now going back across the Alps for the third time (via Arthurs Pass) and back to Waitaha valley. The cows have finished milking now but Stu says he has lots of other stuff for us to do. ...

Left Qtown and had the best view ever of Mount Cook (from the other side) today at Lake Pukaki. This has to be one of the most amazing places on earth. Spending the night in Lake Tekapo tonight. x