The picture is of a Weka. Fairly common and quite trusting it seems. This one appeared at the van when we parked up to see the Pancake Rocks. But back to the beginning. This morning was cloudy with a sea mist in on to the coast. We left Greymouth under gloomy skies. As mid morning approached the clouds (yawn) started to disappear and we were left with cloudless blue skies and a temperature above 20. It was 25 when we got here. This is getting boring isn't it. I w...

We stayed at Fox Glacier last night. At about 1am the call of nature woke me, too many beers after a long day driving, I guess. On leaving the van I looked towards the heavens. I have never seen a clearer sky, the milky way was, well, very milky and there were so many stars I couldn't count them. But I was in a bit of a hurry remember! This morning was cool, well cold to be honest. There wasn't a cloud in the sky nor a breath of wind, and so it stayed for most of...

Started the morning in Queenstown under clearing skies. Went to the top of the mountain overlooking the town in a gondola. Amazing views, watched some people paragliding but it was obviously too early for the bungy jumpers. Took a ski lift higher and returned to the middle layer on a luge ride, quite a good experience. Then down to the bottom again, leaving at about 11am to drive up the west coast. Travelled through Wanaka past lakes that were amazingly blue, ano...

Left Manapouri this morning under heavy cloud and threatening rain although it was very humid. As we travelled towards Queenstown we had increased rain and we feared the worst. But fear not dear reader, soon after we arrived in Queenstown the skies cleared and the sun shone. Temp rose into the 20's and all was well again. I know you will be pleased for us. A good walk around the town followed by an excellent lunch and, as you will see from the photo, some light r...

Drove here yesterday after deciding the south coast with its wind, cold and rain were not worth staying for. Much better here and we brought forward our trip to Doubtful Sound to today. Woke at 6.15am, clear skies, the Southern Cross clearly visible but cool. Went to the harbour for 7.30 and boarded at 8. Trip across Lake Manapouri tok about 50 minutes. At this end we spent some time avoiding a plague of sand flies before boarding a bus for a trip underground to ...