18- December- We decided to do a separate blog just for Milford Sound because it was so outstanding. The drive to Milford Sound took about 2 hrs but it would have taken far longer if we had stopped at every photo opportunity (we decided to try and beat all the tour buses and stop on the way back). The route is 119k from Te Anau and the sun was shining with a clear blue sky (it rains 200 days of the year here so we were very lucky). The only stop we made was at t...

15 December - Stopped at Riverton on the way to Te Anau, the weather had improved dramatically and we were back in T shirts. Riverton was quiet but had a beautiful shallow beach, we were thinking of staying because it was that nice. Fortunately, we decided to move on to Te Anau, the journey took about 1 1/2 hours and I did not overtake another vehicle or see one in the rear view mirror. We pitched the tent in record time and decided to go for a walk into town to ...

12/13 December - On a bright and sunny day we decided to move on to the The Catlins which is a forested region right down south. We didn't realise it was a rainforest and it didn't stop raining from the time we arrived to the time we left! Camping was not fun but we were dry and reasonably warm but Chris resorted to wearing her hat in bed as she was cold. The scenery was great but the wind blew and blew........ It didn't stop us getting out, we just donned our...

5 December - Went to Akoroa to swim with Hectors Dolphins which are the smallest and rarest in the world and native to New Zealand. On arrival we were kitted out with wet suits, boots, masks and snorkels and set off on the boat out to sea. After about 15 mins the dolphins were spotted and once the crew had established they were not feeding or didn't have any young we were allowed into the water with them. It was a fantastic experience as they are very inquisitive...

Sunday 2 December: Been in Christchurch for 5 days - have been finding our feet. Have been doing a lot of shopping in preparation for our impending adventure! Purchased tent, sleeping bags, table, chairs, cooker, airbed, pots and pans etc!! Still looking for a kitchen sink! We've yet to explore Christchurch properly so will update photos soon. The weather has been fine up to now - although today has been a bit overcast and windy. Watched the Christmas Parade in C...