South Island, New Zealand

We are just starting our fourth week in New Zealand. The weather has been beautiful throughout, following a very disappointing summer for the Kiwis. Just arrived in time for a really settled spell.

We spent longer in the North Island than we had planned, largely because we stayed with Christine's cousin, Ian and his wife Sue. They made us so welcome and we fell in love with their two children, Ceinwen and Iestyn. Went kite fishing with them and caught lots of fish. Borrowed a car and drove around the Coramandel region, which is beautiful. Stayed in a fantastic old hostel overlooking a lagoon. We also met up with Peter Jones and his family. He is an ex colleague from the last two schools I have taught at and he has moved to teach in New Zealand. He has settled well and even been promoted to Head of Department.
We spent an interesting couple of days in Wellington, the capital city, which is so much more pleasant than Auckland. The museum 'Te Papa' is just fantastic and we even managed to catch a session of parliament with the Prime Minister, Helen Clarke, in attendance.

Now travelling down the west coast of the South Island, which is just so beautiful. A few days in Nelson allowed us to visit the Abel Tasman national park for hiking and kayaking. Just beautiful. Now staying in a shared cabin right in the rainforest at a place called Punakaiki. It is just unbelievable. There are vines growing through the kitchen area and Nikau Palms surrounding us. Deafening sound of the cicadas and the thundering sea. The one drawback is the sand fly, an evil lttle bug that bites. Tomorrow we set off for Franz Josef to hike on the glacier. Every day brings something new and wonderful.

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