We arose about 07: 30. The tour of New York City was due to start at 09:00. We went to a small restaurant next door to the hotel for breakfast. The coach tour took us on a tour of city making stops to look at ground zero and the Chelsea Market. The coach then took us to the pier to catch a boat tour up the Hudson River taking in the Statue of Liberty and the Manhattan skyline and other points of interest. We then got the coach back to the Beacon Hotel, but we got off at Times Square to make our own way back after walking for a while decided to take a cab as we were beginning to get a little weary. We book dinner at David Burkes Townhouse on our daughter’s recommendation. ... read more

Graeme gave us a lift to Aberdeen Airport. Our flight to the US is not until Saturday 5th May, but because it leaves London at 09:30, we have decided to travel the day before and we are staying at the Sheraton Skyline. We check -in and then go out to find somwhere to eat. We found a local pub called "The Pheasant". The food is really good with enormous potions. Once we have finished lounge we feel absolutelt stuffed, so much so that we go back to the hotel and rest for the rest of the day!! We were going to go to the hotel bar in the evening - but we do not make it and have an early night as we have an early start in the morning... read more

Another cold morning, although the day shapes up up to be a fine sunny day, if a little windy We have coffee/tea for breakfast as the fridge has been emptied in preparation for returning the motor van. I also have to drain all the waste water and empty the loo cartridge for the last time (one of the least favourite jobs!). We pack our bags trying to remember all the bits and pieces that we have secreted about the van. We feel a little sad leaving our home for the last three weeks. Both of us have enjoyed our first camper vanning experience. It is certainly the best way to see New Zealand, and I think that we both would like to think that we would camper van again at some point in the future. We ... read more

We got away from Dunedin by 09:00 driving up highway 1 to Timaru. And arrived at the “top-ten” site in Timaru at about 13:30. We had a walk to the beach and walked on further into the town centre. We stop for a drink overlooking the beach, and then walked back to the Camper Site. We sat outside the van and read, it was a beautiful sunny day, the weather forecast said 24 degrees and it must have been about that. We ate at the motor van, I cooked a mushroom omelette Not much else to report for today. All the exciting and interesting excursion have come to an end. thoughts are turning to the journey home. ... read more

We set off at about 09:00 to drive to Dunedin We retrace the drive to Queenstown as far back as Cromwell. On the way we pass a fast flowing stream called “Roaring Meg” and we have a photo-stop. We then pick up highway 8 to drive southeast towards Dunedin. When we set off it was good weather in Queenstown and the forecast for Dunedin was showers in the morning with sunshine in the afternoon. But as we approach Dunedin it is still overcast with showers. We checked into the site at around 13:30. We took it easy most of the afternoon, and caught the bus into Dunedin at around 18:00 and spent an hour having a quick look round. Came back to the campervan and had a meal. Nothing much more to say for today. Tomorrow ... read more