Queenstown had been very hectic, but leaving Queenstown life has returned to its normal traveling experience. Headed up to Christchurch stopping briefly on the way to takes some photos of Mountain Cook (New Zealand's highest mountain) and then back into Christchurch. A trip up the coast of the South Island to a small place called Kaikoura, where I enjoyed a little bit of sun. Then it was time to leave the South Island and catch the ferry from Picton to Wellington (New Zealand's Capital City). The ferry crossing was on an old Channel Ferry - The Pride of Cherbourg.

I spent a few days in Wellington mainly relaxing. Wellington is quite small and quiet, but surrounded by the sea and hills. The next stop was Taupo another small town, but one next to Lake Taupo. I did a day hike called the Tongaro Crossing, which was a 15 mile hik. The walking took us over some of New Zealand's volcanoes. It was brilliant walk, but it was rather cloudy and we had to walk through the clouds. After a few days in Taupo I have headed up to Rotorua. Last night we went to a Maori cultural evening. Having been to a few in Fiji, there were many similiarities, even in the way food was prepared. It was a good night and was all you could eat, so much appreciated.