We (I) have had enough of the retreat and have made a run for it. On our way back south we went to look at the 2nd largest tree in New Zealand and we think maybe even the world. It was so gianormous it made even Steve look teenie- it actually looked like a cliff face. Steve took pictures and a video and is compiling an album. We are now in the fabulous sea side town of owera bay. We have muscled our way into a very expensive serviced appartment complex on a l...

We (I) have had enough of the retreat and have made a run for it. On our way back south we went to look at the 2nd largest tree in New Zealand and we think maybe even the world. It was so gianormous it made even Steve look teenie- it actually looked like a cliff face. Steve took pictures and a video and is compiling an album. We are now in the fabulous sea side town of owera bay. We have muscled our way into a very expensive serviced appartment complex on a l...

I am eating gritty sand, have sand in my eyes and have strange partings in my hair. Yes I have just visited 90 mile beach. I now realise that it is infact 119km long and probably got its name due to the wind speed. It was spectactular and deserted and had I been a surfer in a wet suit with breathing equipment and body armour it would have been THE place to be. I got a bit worried about the size of the waves in the distance but by the time they reached my feet ...

We got on a dolphin hunting boat (pixels only), then travel to Russel which has deeper water for the sailing boat. All is looking good, there are clouds and light winds, so no stress. We wait on the Russel harbour for our ride, from the brochure a twin hull cat. Alongside comes a huge racing boat, it's so famous that the "lion" trip is the only description necessary in the boating world. We are not of that world. The skipper gleefully explains he is steering...

The boat helmsman A really special highlight day- today we sailed! We got on a proper Racing yaught with sails and the works at Russell. It reqired 22 crew to race it and 8 crew to sail the seas- there were 2 staff and 4 passengers- WE WERE THE CREW! Steve immediately volunteered me to climb the ladder to the crows nest- still not forgiven for pushing him forward to do the Haka. Luckily there was no ladder or crows nest. But it was all hands on deck- so af...