So we left Christchurch on Sunday afternoon heading north through Waipara up to Hanmer Springs. We stayed here for 2 nights and enjoyed the sulphur pools (some of which were 40c!!) Did a couple of walks and checked out the mountain biking but it was a bit tame (in Zak's opinion not Mel's!!!) so didn't bother. Then we headed off on Tues to Moana (on Lake Brunner) via Mauria Springs for some more thermal bathing and Reefton - which is an old gold mining town full of hicks. Camped right next to Lake Brunner which was gorgeous and did a few more short walks. As well as having lots of fun on a rope swing over the lake! True to form Mel fell in. Ha ha... This morning we drove up the west coast which is unreal. It is real NZ native bush covering mountains on the right hand side and rugged ocean on the left. We both shared the driving which is going ok. Went to Punakaiki which is a geological rarity. Its known for its pancake rock formations and blow holes. We will put some pics up soon. Final stop today was at a seal colony where we saw lots of seals and pups. Off now into Wesport for dinner. Hope you are all well. Love us xxxx