Happy New Year to you all and apologies for ignoring you the past few weeks. As you can tell we have been having far too much fun in the sun to be stuck on a computer. Time has gone so quickly and we have done lots since we last wrote so once again we will keep it short and sweet and give you the highlights.....

So, after Queenstown we headed to Dunedin then Christchurch on the east coast of NZ south island. Apart from being at one with nature and experiecing the royal albatross , yellow-eyed penguins, seals and sea lions in their natural habitat on the otago penisula, our final few days were spent drinking, socialising and partying with our good friend Jim Beam! One overcast and very English-feeling day we dragged three innocent Dutch boys for a punt on the river through Christchurch we were chauffured all the way and by the look on the punter's face when we asked if we could drive we took it as a solid NO!.... After all our good friends left to carry-on their adventures we headed to Kaikoura for a spot of whale watching. It was only a small town but for some reason our hostel was the furthest point away from the bus stop we tried to walk it with all our bags and got most of the way there but were rescued by a kind kiwi driver to take us the rest of the way.... phew! On arrival at the hostel we were met by a large group of 'mature' YHAers who were there to celebrate the 45th anniversary of the hostel and we were kindly invited to the party. It was sure to be a big one?? but after a sleepless night on the town Amanda wasn't up for it and Clare just wanted seafood (which she got - fresh crayfish yum!). We arranged to go on the 6am whale watch which meant a 5.30 start - ouch! Despite the sleep in the eyes the lack of sleep was well worth it. We saw 2 sperm whales and a pod of playful dusky dolphins. The weather was amazing and the views were spectacular.

Back in Christchurch Clare dragged Amanda along to a salsa night at a swanky pub in town. Clare's smile grew as she got wooshed around the dance floor with tightly-panted kiwi men and her fix for salsa was met. A fun end to our time in NZ.

And so to Oz.....On arrival at Melbourne's airport we were met by torrential rain and winds....niiiiccce. Once again we knew we were being blessed and we didn't let it get us down. Our bus driver who took us to our hostel was a jolly geordie who gave us sweets to welcome us to the country. Our first night was spent drinking wine and eating good food on a trendy street in St. Kilda we started as we meant to go on. Christmas day was spent realxing by the beach. Santa had brought the sun as a pressie and Amanda's dream of spending Christmas in her bikini came true....yipppeee! and Clare was chuffed with Mr Whippy visiting her (!) There was a big group of us so although we missed home the total contrast between the usual Christmas in England was welcomed greatly. After a few drinks and a spot of sun bathing an evening of dancing and partying with a bunch of santa's made a good end to the day. Boxing day saw us amongst the raucous crowds of the test match cricket at the MCG. Australia's big match against India was a spectator's delight as the atmosphere was amazing (Andrew Symonds added to the visual pleasures he he he!)

The rest of the time we spent doing the usual backpackers stuff until it was time to pack our bags and head-off down the Great Ocean Road. There was so much to see here - stunning beaches, the 12 apostles, amazing wildlife (koalas, kangaroos, wombats, snakes, emus, echidnas and lizards) forests, sand dunes, the famous Bells beach (for all you surfers out there) and pleasant sea-side towns. At Corang national pk in South Australia we got to experience bush-tucker and traditional aborginal way of life and eat kangaroo balls. Our tour ended in Adelaide where we had planned to spend New Year. However, after getting much stick about spending New Year in a boring city, an invite to a aussie surfer's house party seemed far more exciting. After an 11 hour bus journey back to Melbourne we hoped we wouldn't be dissapointed. And oh how we weren't. It was so nice to spend it with the locals in a swanky apartment over-looking the sea with a good view of Melbourne city fireworks. With the bbq, 30 degree heat and drinks a-flowing that night was the perfect way to start a New Year.

THe last couple of days have been spent down the beach soaking up the culture of Melbourne's museums. Our plan to avoid the east-coast has now changed as tonight we are headed to Sydney for a week for a catch up with friends we have met along the way.

Until next time (apologies in advance if it is a long way away) we bid you farewell and once again a Happy 2008! lots of love Amanda and Clare xx