Just to finish off our time in the North Island we got stick in the Friday night motorway traffic jams in Aucklan as the city folk made their exit to their batches, holiday homes, but still had time for our lovely Mexican meal. we were up early for a short flight to Christchurch and our thee week adverture in the south island.

It was on the flight we spotted our first hobbit. The safety video for air new zealand included hobbits, gandalf, elves and other monsters from Lord of the rings. Very entertaining and a lot shorter than the Lord of the rings film!

We landed in Christchurch around lunch time to pick up our jucy campervan. A small but perfectly formed green and purple beast complete with bed fridge and surprisinglying room for all our stuff.

We're now in Hamner Springs were visitors have been dipping in the volcanic springs for over 100 years. It's about a 2 hour drive from christchurch through some stunning limestone scenery. The town is full of trendy clothes shops, restaurants and bars.

This this morning we went on a hike in the near by forest. Many of the trees are not native but we found some manuka and a few other native species.

No we are sitting in the shade writing blogs and messages and supping a beer. Later on we'll be going for a dip in the spa waters to refresh our excercised muscles.