Hi all!

We are really missing you all loads. Thank you all so much for all the lovely messages you have left us. Especially you Brads! Your typing is getting so good!! (All the sharks we have seen so far are in the Singapore photos - get Grandad to show you)

Since our last entry so much has happened, we will do a quick run down of what we've done.

We had our Farewell Spit tour which we all enjoyed loads. It was really interesting learning about the Spit and the views were amazing - We even saw seals on the beach! After the tour Mark and Heidi introduced us to New Zealandish ice cream! And oh my god - we are hooked and havent looked back since!

After four amazing days with Mark, Heidi and Neve we said our goodbyes (Not too many tears!) and we set off on our own once more. We travelled down from Collingwood along to Mapua and booked in for a couple of days to chill out. On the way down we stopped off for a necessary purchase! For all of you who know about Zoe's sandal phobia, you will all be proud to hear that I actually managed to get her in a pair, and she even bought them!! (photos to follow!!) Mapua was a lovely little town and we had beautiful weather (at last!!) and even managed to get a little bit lobster pink!! (dont worry mum, we are still using sun cream!!) We made a few calls home on Wednesday, we understand that when you see incoming international calls you assume it is sales, but remember it could be us!! and please do not shout obsenities down the phone and hang up!! (thankyou Lisa!)

We left Mapua and drove to Picton via the Queen Charlotte Drive. It was absolutely stunning scenery despite the fact it was raining again and very foggy! We were heading north to cross over as we have slightly changed our plans and will be 'doing' the north island first. Once more we sampled the delicious ice cream something that is becoming a daily occurrence!!

We heard on the radio that there was an earthquake which hit 4.6 on the richter scale in Picton the night we stayed. We're b*****ed if we felt anything!! But it did happen and we were definately there! Our ferry crossing was at 1.15pm but we had time to visit the Edwin Fox museum. The Edwin Fox is the 9th oldest ship in the world today. It was really interesting and an honour to be onboard. Even Zoe enjoyed it! The crossing was next!! Despite the fog and rain the scenery was still pretty impressive. Unfortunately Zoe did feel a little on the sea sick side but luckily there was no end product! Hopefully the crossing back will be in better weather!

The last few days we have travelled up the east coast of the north island from Wellington to Napier with a few stops in between. There isnt too much to see along this side! We did however have a great day yesterday in Hastings at the Splash Planet which was great fun! Some really big slides, go-karts, zip wires, bumper boats and jungle jeeps and loadsa fun!

We are now in Napier for a few days. We are booked on a winery tour tomorrow afternoon and neither of us have to drive!! hurrah!

Thats all folks!!

We are both happy and healthy and still having the time of our lives!!

Speak to you soon

Lots of love and big hugs!

Paul and Zoe

xxxxxxx