Ealry pick up from Christchurch and headed to Kaikoura. As we drove into Kaikoura we went to the seal colony. Only saw one seal though, boo. He was mucking about in the water and then he climbed onto the rocks to bath.

We checked into our hostel, Top Spot and then had a big lunch so that Nick was ready for his tattoo. We spoke to Cat, who runs the hostel and she offered us a lift to Atawera Art - score!

Nick and the tattooist, Greg talked through the design before shaving Nicks leg. Greg drew an outline shape freehand which Nick altered slightly to get in the perfect place before Greg then sat down and talked about Nicks life, family etc to build the story for his tattoo. Nick mainly wanted the tattoo to be of his family and travels.

Greg then drew freehand onto the leg before explaining all the symbols and shapes, explaining what each part represented. Nick was really happy with it all so after a few deep breathes they began! Stopping a few times to clean it and check the progress, Nick was really happy with it. They continued until it was complete.

In all we were there for 2 and a half hours and it cost NZ$315 which included the design time. Nick loves it. So that is Nick's birthday presents from me done now.

We walked back to the hostel and sat out on the deck with others from our bus, chatting and drinking into the evening - god Canadians are loud and annoying!!