Hi guys and dolls

Well, we've had quite a few amazing encounters since last we spoke. We did indeed come across some fantastic NZ wildlife, and boy were we lucky! I could spend hours talking you through it all in details, but don't worry I won't (I'll save that for when I see you, ha ha!).

We worked our way back up the East Coast and on the way, we explored a few isolated spots that you have some chance of seeing wildlife. In NZ there are rare Hookers Sea Lions, with only around 150 left (more on Antartic Islands) and are endangered. And can you believe it that we were lucky enough to see 5 of these fantastic creatures on the one beach! When we arrived, mum and dad were chilling on the beach and then a german man signalled for us to look in the grass banks, and there were two pups asleep. We just saw them as we turned around - they were so close -s o we quickly and quietly backed off (after taking a photo of course!) You aren't supposed to get closer than about 5-10 metres, cause they can get scared of you and also if they go for you, they're really quick, as we found out!! As we were watching the adults, one of the pups woke up and came down to join them and had a bit of a play around - brilliant to watch. And if this wasn't good enough, the next night we were driving past a different beach further north and there were 3 adults on the beach - 2 males having a fight over a female. We were there for about 30mins just watching the show they put on for us. We could have stayed longer, but we had to go and spot for penguins! We waited for ages in a little hut on a hill in the freezing cold but we finally saw a few come out of the sea and waddle and hop up the cliff. And then we paid to go to a reserve and see some more there - pretty close up! These were yellow-eyed penguins which are also rare and endangered and native to only NZ. As well as all this we also saw fur seals and a load of dolphins or sharks (too far away to tell which!), variable oyster catchers (cool birds that are black with red feet and walk about in pairs) and albatross birds which are huge with a wing span of about 3 metres.

And now we're just going to rub it in a bit....after we spotted some dolphins in the distance in the ocean a week ago, we actually went swimming with them yesterday. The ones we saw were again, rare and protected and only live in NZ and called Hectors Dolphins. They are so tiny and cute although a little shy. Another great experience!

So finish off our little wildlife week, we had to have a night out - so we went to see Jack Johnson last night who was playing here in Christchurch. It was pretty cool as in the entrance there were loads of conservation teams there collecting money etc and for all the money they collected, Jack would match and donate the same. He actually contacted these organisations and is helping to make his concerts more 'green' - so a fitting end actually!

So, we head further up the east coast of the south island soon before crossing the water again to complete are little NZ circuit. Just another few weeks left in this glorious little country before moving on for the next stage of the adventure.

But for now, we'll sign out. Take care everyone, and keep the messages coming....it's great to hear from you guys when we log in. Happy Easter!