koakey

Hi all arrived in Auckland yesterday 29th Hotel is fine but a bit of a hike to the city centre. today we went into the city and ventured up the sky tower, what fantastic views,(cant send any pictures as this computer is behind a screen and only text is possible). anyway we have been told that the place to be on new years eve is down at the waterside so we will be heading down there at some stage tomorrow evening. keith's handed over to the intelligent one so i will give you some update. The coach tour sadly ended today after breakfast, some of our companions headed home at various times throughout the day, we are able to enjoy Auckland for a few more days, overall it has been a truly wonderful trip, we have ... read more

hi all,Heard about all the snow disruption at home,we have had some of the heavy rain storms that have hit Australia,but at least it is warm.After we left Milford sound we journeyed to Queenstown,what a fantastic place.We went up the gondola to see some fantastic views looking down on the city and surrounding areas.The following evening we went on the TSS Earnslaw a 1912 steamboat over to Walterpeak sheep farm.The farmer managed to make a sheep shearing demo extremely funny and entertaining.We had a wonderful 4 course meal on the farm.We then headed out to Haast which is in a world heritage conservation area,also on the main earthquake fault line.This is our least favorite place at present.Today we travelled via franz josef glacier toGreymouth, we had a scenic flight booked over the glacier but yet again ... read more

Yippeeeeeeeeee we did it!!! xx... read more

Hi all, arrived in wet Dunedin today17th,after leaving the idillic setting of lake Ohau,went to look at the Moeraki boulders on a beach which the maori think are still growing,instead of being washed away by the tide,.we stopped at a small place which was like stepping back 20yrs or more, i think it was called Oamaru, they had recently had Steam punk festival where they had really old steam engines of all sorts made into weird looking engines, amazing what some folk do for entertainment! also visited Olvaston house, a lovely place which used to be owned by an englishman, now beautifully preserved. Final item for the day was the piping in of the Haggis(Dunedin being a Scottish town) which was good ending in a sample of whiskey which pleased Keith. Being Bids we are still ... read more

hi all, we finally arrived after a tiring journey after 36 hours door to door! well worth it though.Not seen a lot as yet but it seems strange sitting outside watering holes in tee shirts listening to xmas music.tried to up load photo not sure if it worked.see you all soon. The Bids.xxx... read more