Hello loyal followers,

So in 3 weeks' time (21 days . . . umm 504 hours) we will be done with New Zealand and continuing our travels on to Australia. The time here has flown past and can't actually believe it is nearly time to leave!

We are down to 3 people in the house now as Dan has found himself a new place to live so he doesn't get left with know where to live when we leave. We will still see him lots and Nikki now works with him at the gym as well.

A couple of things have happened since our last update. Firstly we went to watch the 2nd rugby test match between Ireland and the All Blacks. A group of 21 of us went to watch including our house mates and friends from the hostel. It took 8 hours to drive to Christchurch passing through some incredible scenery (pictures to follow!). The game was the first game to be held in Christchurch since the earthquake and was being held in a temporary stadium just out of the city centre. It was very strange driving through the city with some much closed, demolished or declared unsafe (RED ZONE). This was the first time we had seen the damage first hand and didn't quite realize how much had happened. We luckily had a reservation at a bar near the stadium where we all met / ate / drank before the short walk to the stadium. It was a very cold, clear night and combined with some heavy rain in the day made it very cold even surrounded by a few thousand people. The game was awesome with a great atmosphere and an added bonus of NZ coming out on top (just!). After the game we headed back to the same bar to warm up and enjoy the evening's festivities. We had a great time and I was very happy to see the All Blacks play as I have wanted to see them for years.

Secondly we have SNOW! The local ski fields have opened and town is starting to get busy again. The ground temperature has fallen so morning icy roads are a common obstacle on the way to work.

Thirdly, I was very lucky to meet all the Ireland forwards, coaching staff and manager when they came to hire bikes from my shop. They were doing a training ride to keep their legs moving before the final test in Hamilton. Unfortunately I didn't get a picture with me in it but still a good claim to have. The teams were based in Queenstown all week and could frequently be seen eating burgers from Fergburger!

I think that covers everything, we are both fit and well and looking forward to continuing our travels.

From Queenstown with love

Ben and Nikki x