We left Christchurch and its comfort behind us and headed onto Hanmer with Tim and Les who dropped us there on their way to Nelson. We saw, we walked, we cycled, we bathed, the end! Wish you'd been here! ;-))) Celine and Scott... read more

We left Nelson yesterday after having been to the geographic centre of NZ. This involved scampering up a hill and watching lots of kids having their picture taken by a Glaswegian!!!!! Then we left Nelson for Kaikoura arriving in the afternoon and pitching the tent. This morning we got up at silly O-clock (5am, yes, all you students it does exist)to go see some dolphins. We were not disappointed! The Dusky dolphins were not shy and played with about a dozen humans squeezed into black skins and flapping about ineptly, making strange babbling noises. Honestly we are the most intelligent animal! Celine and I watched from the deck. Explanation - Celine had already swum with the dolphins, and I figured if I snorkelled I'd have a coughing fit and scare all the dolphins away or drown, ... read more

From Bark Bay to Awaroa - a mere 5 hours hike!... read more

We dragged ourselves away from the creature comforts of Louise's accomodation and headed for the South Island via the ferry to Picton. We got the coach from there to Nelson and made plans for our epic journey along the Abel Tasman coastal track Great Walk.... read more

Hi all, we have nicely recovered from our epic crossing of the Tongariro pass on Saturday. We took it nice and easy on Sunday with just a hint of walking, along the Tongariro river, see first pictures. On Monday we made our way down south towards Wellington where we met up with Louise, Gabe, Pete and Lisa who's still visiting from the UK. We went for a wee excursion in Eastbourne yesterday, across the bay from Wellington, more pictures. For the aiki people, Louise organised training every night, starting in her dojo on the beach on Monday night, then last night with judo guys, who Scott blinded with science...suitably impressed they were, I think! speak soon! Celine and Scott... read more