Off to Kaikoura- a 2 hour drive from Blenheim. Our intention was to go on a whale-watch trip, but when we got there all the sailings were booked till late in the evening,it was a 15 mile trip out to sea and rough conditions so we decided we didn't want to wait the 6 hours and agreed that we should continue to a place recommended to us called Hanmer springs. This is an Alpine type village that has the thermal springs etc. This was another 2-3 hour drive inland and...

Hi folks, we have arrived in the south island. A slight change in plans meant we crossed the cook straits a day early. The reason being that a cold front was forecasted to arrive on wednesday and this would lead to 4 meter swells and a very uncomfortable crossing--especially for me who is sick on a mill-pond. Anyway we left Haverlock North with some regrets as it is a superb place and seems to have everything one needs for a great lifestyle. It was a 3 hour d...

Monday the 8th-- Brads is on a sabbatical from work and has offered to drive us around the surrounding areas so that we can sight-see from the car! We started in Hamilton as the Kiwi team were practising for the game v the aussies the next day. We met up the mark greatbatch who is the coach now and also brads introduced us to vettori the captain. Nice to mix with the celebrities! We then went to lovely surfing place called Raglan for lunch. Then back to Hamilton,...

Fish massala was a success! Sunday dawned another sunny day so it was decided that we would all go fishing. We stopped at a couple of places around hobart but the fish were not biting. Although the bloke next to us pulled out six fish as we were struggling! We tried for about 3-4 hours and then gave up. We had a nice tour around Hobart and it really is a nice spot. Monday was spent getting ready to leave and in the evening we took Robert and Robyn out for a Tha...

Fish massala was a success! Sunday dawned another sunny day so it was decided that we would all go fishing. We stopped at a couple of places around hobart but the fish were not biting. Although the bloke next to us pulled out six fish as we were struggling! We tried for about 3-4 hours and then gave up. We had a nice tour around Hobart and it really is a nice spot. Monday was spent getting ready to leave and in the evening we took Robert and Robyn out for a Tha...