first update of 2012

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We left Akaroa on 02/01/2012 but not before we experienced 16 earth tremours in the night. 6 of which rocked the van, the largest being 5.6. No damage in the area fortunately.

Headed for Mount Cook and camped near the village almost in the great mountains shadow. Weather was good so we had great views of the snow capped summit. Went on a few walks in the area, to the Hunter glacier and Mueller glacier, the first one was a bit of a hike in 26C heat and a stoney dusty track, great views though. Saw a couple of small avalannches high up.

Next we explored Dunedin and the Otago peninsula and hunted fruitlessly for yellow eyed penguins. Next stop was a few days touring round the Catlins, Kaka point Curio bay, Nugget point. It was at Curio bay that we had our close up encounter with a penguin on the beach with its chick, see photo. There are only 400 of these penguinns so we are on the lookout for the other 398.

We are now in Te Anau in the mountains again and it is cold and wet. Last night it snowed on the mountains we can see from our van. Quite a change from the weather since new year which has been warm and sunny.

we are off to Milford Sound tomorrow, camping wild a few nights so we are looking forward to making freinds with the sandflies again!

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