Tom:

Hi all! So we've achieved a lot in a very short space of time - although we've barely even scratched the surface of the South Island (Middle Earth). Yesterday we went to the Nelson Lakes, these New Zealanders can't possibly know how lucky they are to have these views on their doorstep. Mountains, pine forests and incredible wildlife that even Scotland can barely match. It was awesome. Quite sad to say goodbye to Jospeh Hassan's family (to fill in those who don't get the whole Hassan thing, they're the branch of my mum's side of the family who emigrated to NZ), but it was cool to end up in Blenheim as we received the wine tour of a lifetime! Nick Hassan drove Nil and I around some of the Marlborough wineries, and we had a taste of the Gewurztraminer 2007 wine that Nick's vineyard sells its grapes to the Huia winery to make. New Zealand wines are, without doubt, up there with the best of 'em, and its cool that we've tasted them right here. Anyway, off to Christchurch tomorrow so blog soon. TY

Nil:

We really had an amazing time with Joseph and Cushla. They were so welcoming that we instantly felt like part of the family. Plus their 3 boys have a wicked sense of humour and Bridgette is a real sweety. We're now in Blenheim which has the most spectacular scenery. It's downright warm here, you wouldn't believe they're on their way to winter, and the autumnal colours on the tree leaves contrast with the blue skies in an awe-inspiring way. It's times like these that I wish I were an artist! Nick and Marg truly have a stunning B&B, and they are within the vicinity of some of the most famous wineries to come out of NZ such as: Cloudy Bay, Wither Hill and Huia. Apparently you can buy a Gewurztraminer in the UK from Wither Hill, and if you buy any vintage up to 2007, you'll be tasting a wine from Nick and Marg's own grapes! Nick has been patiently educating Tom and myself on the subtle differences in the flavours in different vintages. I have discovered the Pinot Gris which is a fantastic wine, and the Gewurzt is also a new one for me. Another highlight of our visit to Blenheim has been meeting Lawrence and Gloria Hassan. They have amazing energy for their ages and are impressively good at remembering facts and dates. At 91 Lawrence knows all his children's (all 13) and grandchildren's (all 59) and great-grandchildren's birthdays and names, a feat no 23 year old (i.e. me) would be able to accomplish! Unfortunately our time in NZ is coming to an end. We're going to Christchurch tomorrow and then the following day flying back to Auckland, then it's bye bye Oceania and bueno dias South America! Hope the photos are muchly enjoyed! Lots of love xxxxx