The North Island (Part 1) Well, one coould say that I have fully taken the North Island by the horns. I have spent the past few weeks travelling the south, south-west and centre of the North Island in my littl' hire car and it was just so much fun!  I arrived on the North Island on the 15th February, via ferry from Picton to Wellington. The crossing via the Malborough Sounds and Cook Strait was perfect. The sun was shining, the sea smooth and the vi...

Kia Ora from Wellington Yep, I am now at my first stop of my North Island tour...but I will save the details until my next journal. So for now, here are all my exciting tales from my journey around the South Island of New Zealand. I may have mentioned to a few people that Si was coming out on the 21st January. He did, and arrived safely! There was no rest for the wicked as we set upon our quest to get to Queenstown to see Nell and celebrate Si's birthday in s...

Kia Ora One and AllWell, I arrived safe and sound in Christchurch on the 14th January. Since being here Jess and I have been touring the city, browsing the shops and the delights of Christchurch. The city reminds me very much of England, with the River Avon running through it and the river walk, Oxford Terrace. The plants and climate is very similar to England too and makes a pleasant change to Australia. Kiwi people are also softer spoken that Australians.&...

Melbourne – The City of Sculpture (so named by moi) Well, hello from Melbourne. I arrived here in the late afternoon of the 2nd January, to a blast of heat. I have heard that you can see 4 seasons in one day in Melbourne and now I do not doubt that. It is now Tuesday 9th January and I have experienced clear skies, 35 degree heat, showers, strong winds and weather like an English Autumn. I am staying in a hostel called The Nunnery, as in the 1860’...

Sydney - just in time for the festive season! First of, thank you all for the emails that you sent just in time for Christmas – lovely to hear that everybody is having a jolly time. Christmas Eve I decided to go for a run this morning and I am so glad that I did. Running along Victoria Street in Kings Cross I was spoiled with views of gorgeous old buildings, and just around the corner, views of Navy Ships, Sydney Harbour and there in the dist...