Well, it's Paul's birthday today and we've had a great time. We went to visit several of the wineries in Marlborough and had lunch at the Herzog estate bistro. The food was absolutely incredible and a good time was had by all.

We have spent this week finding our way around Nelson and the surrounding areas. The weather has improved every day and we have been treated to some amazing views of the Abel Tasman mountains as well as some lovely sunsets-all from the house! We have enjoyed trips to Cable Bay, north of Nelson, where the first communication cable was brought ashore from Australia. We walked along the beach at Rabbit Island, south of Nelson, for ages and didn't see a soul. We've been to the cinema where they sell funny ice creams which are hard to eat and Paul ended up sitting on most of his! We've walked in the hills that form the backdrop to the city and decided which plot of land we fancied for the house!! We still find people friendly and warm but some drivers are a bit mad! The food is very expensive but the meat is great and we've tried new veggies!

All in all, we love it and can't believe we've already been away for a month. Internet phone up and running if you want to call-we're 13 hours ahead once you hit daylight saving!