The 5 hour Greyhound coach journey was for once and real pleasure as there were only 10 people on the coach and once we reached Newcastle there was only myself and another guy from the UK named Richard that continued to Tamworth were l got off and made my way to the YHA about a 15 minute walk from the coach stop. From Office boy to Cowboy in 5 easy steps Our pick up from the YHA was planned for 10am so once up and ready l had time to take a quick tour of the local area and my daily intake of fresh coffee. Once back at the hostel Hilton from Leconfield Farm was there ready to take us the 50km drive through the countryside to our home for the next 11 days. What should ... read more

So now I'm in Australia once again and this time my first stop is Melbourne, Victoria. I arrived after my Qantas flight from Christchurch to Sydney and a overnight train journey to Melbourne's Southern Cross Station. I am staying with Paul and his Parents John & Chris just outside the main area of Melbourne called Beveridge. Paul & his girlfriend Allison were on the same tour in Vietnam and had invited me to stay if ever l was in Melbourne and l was pleased to take up their offer. During the afternoon Paul and his mum took me for a drive around their local area and was amazed that about 5 minutes away is the Childhood home of the Infamous Ned Kelly. Ned Kelly Edward "Ned" Kelly (3 June 1854 - 11 November 1880) was an ... read more

So after an amazing evening on the Milford Sound we travelled back to Queenstown for another two nights of mayhem. On the way Dave dropped the group of at the airfield for myself and Alex to do the best thing EVER!!!!!. As someone that really enjoys theme parks and all the rides, the chance to experience the ride of your life was something l was not goning to miss. We arrived at JAGAIR and we were met by Rupert & Adam. Rupert a 20 year old pilot (Yes 20) who at first l thought was the pilots son!!!, took Alex up in the plane first over the fantastic lakes and mountains around Queenstown. the whole group had stayed to watch this awesome expereince. WING IT YOUR WAY - WITH “JAG AIR” This team has the expertise ... read more

An Enduring History of High Country Hospitality On our way to Queenstown we stopped in a great place nestled in the rolling hills of the Cardrona Valley, The Cardrona Hotel (Est. 1863) is one of New Zealand's oldest hotels. A comfortable 40 minute drive from Queenstown and only 20 minutes from Wanaka, this unique hotel offers both quality accommodation and traditional hospitality. With breathtaking scenery, this tranquil rural setting boasts a hotel steeped in history from the gold rush era. While dry tussock gently ripples in the breeze, relax in an air of timeless comfort and understated style while recapturing yesteryear. A Brief History of the Cardrona Hotel The township of Cardrona began in 1865, when hundreds of settlers came to the Cardrona Valley, eager to stake their claim. As word got around, the settlement ... read more

Punakaiki is sited at the mouth of the Punakaiki River, 40 km north of Greymouth, on the West Coast. This small settlement is well set up for visitors with an information centre, tearooms, tavern, motels, lodges and a motor camp. The Dolomite Point lookout above the famous pancake rocks, is a short walk from the road on a paved loop track. You will hear the booming surf long before you set eyes on the slender towers that have been weathered to resemble a huge stack of pancakes. These strange formations are caused by a chemical process. Long ago layers of lime-rich mud were deposited on the seabed and then overlayed by weaker sheets of soft mud and clay. The seabed was tilted and raised to form coastal cliffs, and wind and water have etched out the ... read more