Really beautiful spot. Walked to the top of Mt Johns for our second steep uphill walk only to discover that the cafe at the top had just closed - denied! So we drove up the next morning instead. Hot pools under the stars. Caught up with Carol for a night at a lodge next to the Rakaia Gorge. Went on a jetboat ride and forest walk.

Caught up with Allanah. The bro arrived, eventually, sans luggage thanks to a strike in Sydney. Walked over the Bridle Path to Lyttleton - they aren´t kidding about that being a steep hill, Mike walked back again, I took the bus :-) Coffee intake has increased dramatically due to fraternal influence.

Saw penguins. Stopped at Moetaki boulders, saw some big rocks. Wicked backpakers called the Old Bones Lodge is highly recommended and even has the biggest dog I´ve ever seen called Humphrey.

Taieri Gorge railway was a highlight. Caught up with Kristoff M and Esther. And turned out there is an international documentary film on - Amanda is v happy. Word of mouth itinerary stops - railway, art gallery

Arrived at the backpackers at Curio Bay and just sat for two hours in the living room watching the dolphins play in the water and surf the waves. Saw three yellow eyed penguins at sunset. Found an awesome place called Curios where this guy had filled an old gypsy caravan and his garden with hundreds of little mechanical contraptions and you could just wander around turning wheels and pressing buttons to see what would move, or dance, or make music. Fantast...