6th January 2007 Headed off on the bus to the start of the Tongariro crossing, we began our walk heading up a very steep hill to the Red crater which was amazing, the colours were even more beautiful than we imagined. The scenery along the track was so diverse, from flat volcano craters to steep gravely cliffs, blue green sulphur pools and dense forests. Along the way we passed through the Ketetaki hot springs which ran down the side of the mountains, you could ...

Week Twenty-Six cont ... Thu 28th Dec 2006 Packed up the tent, stopped off at Buller Gorge swing bridge which was pretty cool stuff, Paul jumped on the flying fox back over the gorge as i steadied myself on the swing bridge. Then off to the Abel Tasman for a drive, it was a gorgeous day and the drive was amazing, blue ocean, cliffs and white sandy bays stretched out for miles. Stopped off at Kaiteriteri one of the many bays along the route for a picnic, literal...

Week Twenty-Four Fri-went to the cinema with Paul to see James Bond "Casino Royal"- what a film no cheese in sight! Even didn't mind a blond James Bond thought Daniel Craig was pretty good. All in all a very good watch. Sat - Drove to Kaikoura for Whale watching, which we booked for tomorrow luckily as all trips today were cancelled due to rain and strong winds. Sun - What a day for sailing and whale watching - blue skies and a calm ocean. Headed off...

Week Fourteen Drove from Christchurch to Kaikoura for a long weekend - the views were amazing on the road there, green mountains, snow tops peaks crashing pacific waves hitting the coast! Had lunch at the marine encounter cafe - where you catch the boats out to see whales and dolphins - good grub too seafood chowder and salmon fishcakes. Carried on up the coast to Picton and the scenery just kept coming - after a full day driving we camped up at Picton at the ...

Week Seven - Socialised with Paul's work colleagues - crazy golf - very architectural golf as well. Had an interview with Nurse Maude to be a PA, interview went well (fingers crossed). Went out for a Japanese meal at Ebisu (sushi, teriyaki beef etc - very yummy). Saturday - Drove up the mountains as it was very sunny, went for a tramp in the bushes at Broken hill (not brokeback mountain) - had to climb over and under lots of fallen trees. Managed to get to Arthu...