We decided to take the scenic route from Dunedin to Invercargill, across the Catlins.� Unfortunately we picked a horrific day to do the drive and spent the vast majority of the journey desperately trying to stop the wind from knocking the van over the many cliffs along the way!!! Our first stop was at Nugget Point, where if lucky you can see the rare elephant seal.� We parked up the van and walked out to the lighthouse where you can see for ...

And so we find ourself in the second largest city in the South Island, celtic for Edinburgh - Dunedin.� It's famous for it's University and Speights ale - what a perfect match!� Not wanting to disappoint anyone back home, our first point of call is the Speights Brewery!!!� We get a guided tour of the whole brewery from a man very passionate about his job, and beer!� The tour itself was actually quite interestin...

Having overheard some girls on our campsite talking about the blue penguins at Oamaru we excitedly headed off in search of them.� What we actually found was a information centre and "grandstand" seating area where you sat at dusk to watch them come back to their nests.� Seeing as though it was only midday we didn't fancy the wait - or entry fee.� Instead we looked around the visitors centre and left.� It ...

So south we go again......Via the first French settlement in New Zealand, Akaroa. It's out to the east of Christchurch and is on a volcanic peninsula, formed some 12 million years ago. It's a nice enough place, but not a vast amount to do except wander around the small town and a quick coffee and we're off on the road to Timaru. On the way out of Akaroa we stopped at a place called Barry's Bay cheese which is a locally famous cheese making unit. ...

So back to the big city lights - it's been a while.  We roll into Christchurch on Sunday afternoon, park the van up and wander around.  Only to end up in a world standard classic..... Irish pub!!!  Monday starts with a lunch stop at New Brighton beach.  Not that disimilar from the real Brighton.  Then into the city centre for an afternoon of the Canterbury Museum and the Art Gallery.  The museum has a good exhibit on the Maori history an...