Oh goodness we have spent such a wonderful time in the fabulous Islands of New Zealand. It really is a country of two halves and visiting both the North and South Islands gave us a chance to really appreciate their individualities and to see the many wonders that each have to offer. Almost without exception we have been totally welcomed, the New Zealanders love to chat with us brits and we have felt totally safe in this lovely country. Now you're wondering who ...

Onto our final leg of our NZ travels and ending the journey with some awesome views leaving Mount Cook, went down to the lake side at Lake Pukaki to check the water out. It was so clear and surprisingly warm, unfortunately the local sand flies managed to feast on us so we are both now sporting a multitude of bites and they're so blimin itchy! Came across another beautiful lake; Lake Tekapo and stopped off for coffee and a last long view of the stunning waters. U...

The journey from Dunedin to Mount Cook was some 350k so made a couple of stops. First at Oamaru which was really so endearing; a gorgeous harbour town with many Victorian features. We then visited Omarama for a pit stop and Tom was delighted to see that a convention of Vintage Corvette Stingrays had also stopped by! As we approached the Mount Cook area we started to see the distant mountain range partly shrouded in cloud and looking magnificent. We then came ov...

Set off from Queenstown and a slight regret that we hadn't booked another night as so buzzy and so much to do and experience! On the way out we diverted a few miles to visit Arrowtown (Gold rush town); the town is pristine and has an affluent air about it. So interesting as the traditional settler main street had been retained (although would have been even better if pedestrianised as the presence of cars spoilt the effect somewhat) and Arrowtown is also home to...

For our second day in Queenstown we had booked to fly to the Milford Sounds for a cruise around the fiord and do some kayaking but although the day turned out clear and sunny in Queenstown the weather in Milford (other side of the NZ Southern Alps) was not so good. Upshot was that we had to miss the kayaking and as unable to fly back would need to get a coach back. Arrived at airport and a little alarmed that we had to don a lifejacket before getting on the plan...