(Cj writes) We drove from Kaikoura (sleepy, nature-tourist-oriented, fish and chip restaurants) to Christchurch (‘ChCh’) today through the ridiculously green and vertiginous hills and narrow valleys of South Island. ChCh suffered a devastating earthquake in 2011, from which it is still recovering. (How severe? apparently South Island is now 5 metres closer to North Island!). We knew this, yet we were still taken aback by the sheer number of empty lots in the city centre. Now grassed over, or used as car parking, they remain a stark reminder of the human impact of the quake: about 80% of city centre buildings have been or are due for demolition. Many more buildings - some venerable, some much more recent - are propped up to a greater or lesser extent. The newer ones in particular may be destined ... read more

SCwrites: For our last few hours in Wet and Windy Wellington, the sun come out and we were able to explore the waterfront (very attractive repurposed old buildings, bars restaurants etc) and take a trip up the funicular railways for some great views out over the city and a neat little museum. The fligt over to South Island (Nelson) was uneventful but did offer some great views of the wild and rocky coastline. Yesterday wedrove up to the Abel Tasman National Park and took a crise alongthe shore line. Great views and, in a great surprise, we encountered bottle nose dolphins. Not just a few but scores of them. I got one great photo of one rigth alongside the boat but they were all over. Even the boat crew were exited ("first time in three weeks") ... read more

(Cj writes) The weather in Auckland, grey and very cool when we arrived on Sunday, has since been gloriously sunny and warm: fears about the inadequacy of my wardrobe proved unfounded. And it was the same today as we set out for our trip south on the Northern Explorer, one of New Zealand’s scenic railways. The train was comfortable - we were fortunate to have a set of four seats plus table to ourselves for much of the journey - although the nonstop chatter of the people behind me got rather wearing! The windows were large and clean, allowing us to enjoy some spectacular scenery as we ran the length of North Island. The ‘open’ car was really rather special - we were in there whilst the train passed through the highlands, which reminded me in ... read more

SC writes. We have been in Auckland for two nights now but it seems that our "Safe Arrival" blog was not published properly, despite two attempts. Not sure what's going on but the wifi in our hotel is up and down and frankly unreliable. So this is a quick update. If you see this please let us know. You should alo be able to view the "missing entry" by clicking a "view previous link". Yesterday we did a pretty thorough exploration of the city and its more desirable areas: Parnell Road & Ponsonby Road. All very pleasent with loads of chic shops, nice eateries and some nice view of the city. Unfortunately / fortunately Cathy came down with a bad case of .... SHOPPING. She hit her stride and just kept going. For my part I ... read more

SC - Internet problems...not convinced that this blog post actually went, so I'm sending it again... Cjwrites: An easy getaway from our Guatemalan hotel at 04:30 on Friday 9th November and a reasonably comfortable flight to Dallas. Fortunately we spotted the need to change terminals before it all got too tight! but there was an anxious wait for seat allocations once at the gate. The flight from Dallas to LA is clearly hugely popular, with a lengthy list of stand-bys. Time in Dallas is as in Guatemala: 7 hours behind the UK. (SC adds: This was a good flight with a fabulous sunset and some great early evening views of LA.) A much longer period hanging around LAX - and no lounge available that will let us in (this Priority Pass isn’t nearly as useful as ... read more