Problems with WiFi in the South Island so quite large gaps in the blog. We had a great day in Wanaka taking a trip up the lake to an island nature reserve to see thebuff waka, a brown flightless bird now almost extinct thanks to stoats possums and rats. We did see one lurking under a bush although I think we were more impressed by the bell birds and fantails on the island, not to mention the view across the turquoise lake and the tiny lake nestled at the top of the island. The lake in the bush in the lake etc etc.Next day we set off to Queenstown across the high road (the highest in New Zealand) and were impressed by the hundreds of coloured lupins growing in the valley bottoms. These are introduced weeds, of course, to the conservationists, but we thought they were glorious. Queenstown the adventure capital of New Zealand was full of 20 somethings bungi-jumping, jet-boating and rafting but as 60 somethings we felt that a 4x4 Lord of the Rings adventure was more our scene. We had a fantastic day exploring some of the film locations with a knowledgeable fellow called Mark and ended in Paradise. A former guest house at the end of the lake on the Dart River this was the end of our tour and after Fanghorn forest , the Wizards vale and the plains of Rohan, seemed pretty appropriate.The next day we drove over to the Te Anau, another beautiful lake backed by mountains. We stayed in a wooden chalet and enjoyed fabulous views and weather!! The first day was wet and we managed to see the cinema and have a ride in the rain to Lake Manapouri before returning to New Years eve at the hotel. It was fun evening with great food and drink. We had been promised a night sky experience and owing to the weather were taken to a domed tent and a planetarium type experience with the other guests and Ron the Hotelier. Our southern night sky was computer generated but proved much better than the rain outside and we all felt able to wish everyone Happy 2009 on our return.The next morning we had booked a trip to Doubtful Sound and were very doubtful about the weather. Getting up early there were rainbows and snow on the tops and a fascinating trip through every kind of weather. A trip across the lake with wonderful views of snow covered mountains, descent into the hydro electric power station, a ride across the Wilmot pass with waterfalls everywhere and then the sound itself. The ride out to the seals was a little rough so I sat and concentrated hard leaving Peter to take the pictures. An easy journey back and then torrential rain as we arrived back in Te Anau. What a country!The next day saw us leaving mountains and lakes behind and driving across to Dunedin. I thought boring city but had not realised that the Larnach Castle was high on a hill in the Otago peninsula. The only castle in New Zealand with amazing views over the harbour and a garden inspired by Sissinghurst we are enjoying the ambiancebefore taking our last journey to Christchurch. Then on to the south seas and home the following week.