Hi from Queenstown

Arrived in Queenstown on Wednesday, it's a beautiful place surrounded by mountains. We have been trying to get a flight to Milford Sound since we arrived but unfortunately the weather in Milford has been too cloudy and the plane would be unable to land - we are hopeful that we can do it tomorrow before we leave for Dunedin. There is lots to do here and we have been making the most of our time. Been on the Skyline Gondola above Queenstown and the views are fantastic, had our evening meal up at the top last night. Went to Glenorchy yesterday which is at the head of the lake - superb. Took an old steamboat across the lake to a farm, fed the sheep and deer and watched sheep shearing amongst other things. New Zealand continues to be stunning and our adventure continues.............

Still in Franz Josef

Hi, been to Franz Josef Glacier and Fox Glacier for a good walk around - it's amazing as you can get really close up and almost touch them - they are around 300 metre deep in parts and travel 1 - 3 metres per day. Today we have been to Okarito which is a lagoon on the West coast - amazing colours and wildlife. Tomorrow we have a 400 km + journey to Queenstown through the mountains - estimated driving time 7 hours+, should be fun. The adventure certainly continues.........

Flying around in Franz Josef

Arrived earlier today at Franz Josef, after spending two lovely days by the ocean in Hokitika. The scenery is amazing - all we keep saying is 'WOW'. Just been on a helicopter trip to Franz Josef Glacier and Fox Glacier - Phil has just about qualified for his pilot's licence!!! We had 10 minutes to frolic in the snow!!! We are here for another two days and intend to do some more exploring of the glaciers and other scenic wonders in this area. Tomorrow after all of our activity we are probably going to spend some time in the Glacier Hot Pools - the adventure is definitely continuing............

Travelling in South Island

We stayed 2 nights in a place just outside Nelson, called Monaco - very smart accommodation - we had our own little cottage with it's own washing machine!!!! Went to Abel Tasman National Park - stunning - beautiful colours and sights, even managed to have a little sunbathe on a beach. We are now in Hokitika which is on the West coast, famous for it's Jade - perhaps I'll have to do some shopping!!!! We are here for two days before moving further south again towards the mountains and glaciers. The adventure continues - we are even passing places where Lord of the Rings was filmed - STUNNING.

Down under in South Island

Travelled from Wellington this morning to Picton in South Island - we are staying just outside of Nelson in a beautiful place called Monaco. We are going to drive to the Abel Tasman tomorrow for a little bit of relaxation on the beach and perhaps some watersports - sea kayaking or whatever. The weather has been superb - warm and sunny and the sea is the most beautiful colours imaginable. Unfortunatley the computer system will not allow photos - so you'll just have to take our word for it. We did buy a new memory card for the camera in Wellington as 1,000 photos is just not enough!!!!!

Wine Tasting in Hawkes Bay

Still having problems putting photos on - the computer systems in NZ have too much security on them. We are in Napier which is in the Hawkes Bay area for wines - Phil has been searching for the perfect Pinot Noir - he is still looking. I am enjoying the Sauvignon Blanc when I'm not driving of course!! We are staying across the road from the Pacific Ocean - it's absolutely fabulous - New Zealand is a really gorgeous country, there are so many sights to see. Moving onto Martinborough tomorrow, Wellington on Tuesday and then over to South Island on Wednesday. The adventure continues.............

Hi frpm Taupo.

Machine will now allow photos so..................
Travelled south from Rotorau today via another volcanic area called Wai Taupo full of colours, craters and hydrogen sulphide, its the sort of place someone with flatulence could live without having any conscience.
Have 2 days here beside a huge blue lake and lots of hot sunshine. Mountains in the south are snow covered! Just like home...................Hope to cruise the lake tomorrow and perhaps see the local waterfalls.
Bye for now, Phil & Hils