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 the exception was and it was actually a hotel receptionist who all but said "computer says no"!

We have covered 3,800 km, slept in 15 different beds (together that is!) and had the pleasure of exploring 57 different stops including towns, cities and villages!

We now have so many fabulous memories thanks to NZ and at the last count, 1200 pictures and a few dodgy videos (be afraid, be very afraid!).

Lastly may we refer to w.w.w.newzealand …………………………………………….

Wine - there stands a claim that there is not a bad wine to be served in NZ…………we pay testament to that and same goes for the cuisine!

Weather - we have been blessed with the best summer weather in NZ for living memory - how lucky were we!

Wear and tear:

Sunglasses Sue: 2 Tom: 0

Reading glasses Sue: 1 Tom: 3

Flip flops Sue: 2 Tom: 1

T-Shirts Sue: 1 Tom: 1

Underwear Let's not go there!!!!

Know we said' lastly' but this is 'finally' as we have just found out that our lovely Godson, Michael shall be following our footsteps in NZ when he starts his travels in a couple of months. So our last message goes out to you lovely boy to say that we have no doubt that you shall have the time of your life! xx