Today we had breakfast and although it was drizzling we set off for the zoo! It was great fun - we especially enjoyed the gorillas which we were able to see from inside and the spider monkeys who were full of fun and energy. We heard a talk about the lemurs while they were being fed. After morning tea we went back to Stacey and Joseph's house for lunch. We left early for the airport as it was raining - good job we did - we passed two accidents - sole occupants obviously driving too fast for the wet slippery roads! Had time for a tea and muffin to share before boarding our flight on time. Flight was good until 15 mins from whangarei - strong winds forced our pilot to take long and steady descent ... read more

Went for a walk before breakfast then packed up and got ready to check out at 10-am. Left luggage at the motel to pick up later and walked to the Quay to catch the Ferry to Devonport. Quick 10 minute ride to Devonport - went to the Info Centre - a dutch gentleman gave us a leaflet on a self guided hour walk through Devonport. It was a really good idea - it pointed out all the places of interest and not too far. Back to the shops for lunch - found a new cafe opened two weeks ago by an English couple, served specialty teas - drank three big cups and both of us had jacket potato and salad for lunch. Took the ferry back to the Quay and then to Brittomart and slow walk ... read more

Went for a last quick walk through Geraldine - very sad to leave here! Packed up and left for Christchurch. The roads got busier and busier as we got closer to Christchurch Airport. Arrived early so had time for tea and gingernuts before boarding plane. They actually offered us an earlier flight but we declined as did not want to arrive too early at our motel in Auckland! Flight was really good nice views. Got shuttle from Auckland to motel - cost us $32 for the two of us from door to door! Quest on Eden Terrance is an apartment type complex all self-contained and no other facilties. Our room was really nice on the 5th floor with large bathroom containing washing machine and tumble dryer - kitchen, bed and dining table all in one room ... read more

Walk before breakfast - only 6,000 steps! Had air conditioning on all night as it was so hot! Set off after breakfast towards Lake Tekapo. Saw the signpost for Mount John - only a few kms off the main road, so headed off there - steep windy route up and around the mountain but arrived at the top to the Observatory! This detour is a must! There is even a coffee shop at the top - we had coffee and chatted to the man who made the coffee who takes photographs of happenings in the sky (can't think of the name) - they are beautiful. They do offer a guided tour if you want - I would go if I were you! Went to Lake Tekapo this seemed a lovely place, the lake was beautiful, and ... read more

Today packed up and left Alexandra. First had long walk along Clutha River and back to motel for breakfast - bit of a hurry getting out before 10 but we managed! Dene was a good host! $105 per night here. Drove to Wanaka - parked down by the lake - huge tourist area - walked into the shops and had morning coffee and muffin watching the people go by. Plenty to do if you like outdoor activities especially good for the snow! Walked down by the lake and then headed off towards Twizel. Stopped for lunch along the way and talked for ages to an English couple who were also touring the South Island - we compared notes! Drove into Twizel and was a bit disappointed - a newish town with not much character including the ... read more