Well well well....I can't remember where I last wrote from, but I think I was about to go and visit some pingus in Oamaru. Anyway we did that, and they were gorgeous, apparently the smallest penguins in the world. We saw in a big auditorium thing and watched them swim in from the sea, waddle up the beack, climb rocks and head for bed. We even saw a pair of them, ahem, getting it on...delightful!

Next day we headed for Dunedin, the South Islands second largest city, and therefore pretty small! (but nice anyway) We have done a fair few things there, including had a major stress over the Fiji coup situation. Many a happy hr has been spent in the New Zealand Air offices over the last few days trying to persuade them not to force us to go into a military coup situation! Eventually we managed to get flights and accomodation in Rarotonga (don't worry I hadn't heard of it either) in the Cook Islands, in the Pacific. they look idyllic so we are looking forward to 8 days of tanning on a desert island!

We also visited the Cadburys factory, mainly to get some free choc as we are all suffering from PMT. It was good, the smell was incredible. Not as good as Brum though haha. We also went on the Taireri Gprge railway, a steam train kind of thing that chugs around some very beautiful scenery. It was great for the 1st hr, apart from the rain, and a crazy older lady from Lincoln sitting with us...the next 3 hrs not so much fun! Generally good though, and nice to be carted around after driving everywhere. Yesterday we went to the Otago Peninsula, and visited the only 'castle' in NZ. Its really a country house, but we humour them with their attempt to fake history haha! It was v pretty, I think our house is probably about the same size! Then we drove to see an Albatross colony. I wasn't v impressed, but then realised I was staring at some seagulls. When we saw an actual albatross they were massive. We also saw some sea lions lounging around on the beach.

Today we have driven 300 km past more amazing scenery. Tomorrow we have a cruise around Fiordland and then a glow worm tour! No drinking at the mo, just culture oh dear!!! xxxx