Do you remember my escape from Alcatraz? Well I had to run for it- I led my pursuers a merry dance before they finally caught me. Instead of sending me back to Alcatraz, they sent me here! To the Kawarau Gorge in the Otago Goldfields.When I arrived the Europeans were working together with the Chinese on the first level of the Goldfield, hacking out the rocks from the hill side with pick and shovels. I was told that the first 2 men who found gold here were so dete...

Hokitika is a lovely seaside town on the west coast with some great jade shops. It is a quiet homely place that we immediately felt at home in. Time was short and after the redemption meal with David and Hilary we headed for Arthur's Pass. It is a great drive across the pass with mountains and rugged hills looming on either side. The pass itself is unspectacular but the countryside around is wonderful. We stopped for coffee at Arthur's Pass. I am not sure...

For once we struck lucky first time and with little stress found a studio apartment overlooking this beautiful lake ( the 35th use of this adjective for those who have been counting)We took a series of leisurely strolls around the lake, taking in the magnificent scenery.One such walk took us past Rippon Vinery which occupies a site overlooking the lake with spectacular views to the mountains. (Trivia - a photo of this vinery is on the front cover of the top Wine ...

Next day we explored Milford Sound. This is a very different place to Doubtful Sound-much more austure and on a grander scale.The drive was superb- most of the journey took us through the National Park which is one enormous temperate rain forest. Finally we arrived in the middle of bleak and snowy mountains at Homer Tunnel, the only way into the Sound. We had to stop at the traffic lights- well what do you expect in the middle of the wilderness! While w...

Great journey to Mt.Cook- drove alongside a lake with breathtaking mountain views ahead. We kept stopping to take photos of the great mountain! When we arrived we found superb accommodation at a greatly discounted rate. On entering the room we found ourselves looking out at one incredible mountain- Mount Cook was totally framed in the glass like a picture window. This must be one of the greatest hotel views in the world.( only problem-it did not look like th...