12/15 January - Moved on to Picton - another lovley coastal drive. Went on a 5 hour boat trip along Queen Charlotte Sound. Saw Hectors Dolphins along the way who were very playful, following the boat and leaping out of the water. (It's very difficult to get a picture of them as you never now where they will pop up next). Landed on Motuara Island which is an uninhabited bird sanctuary with no predators. We finally got to see our penguins close up. They were Blue Penguins which are really tiny - they were in nesting boxes. They were really sweet although apparently could give you a nasty bite if you stuck your fingers through the wire. (Pete you may be aware of this). Also saw australasian gannets, pied and spotted shags, bell birds, robins and kakaras as well as more fur seals. It was a lovely trip.

15 January - We are now preparing to cross the Cook Strait to Wellington to begin our adventure on the North Island.