Wow what a morning...just been out whale watching. Saw a sperm whale after about an hour at sea. Saw it rise to the surface and then float while it re-oxygenated and had a poo then the most fantastic thing - watched it go under the water - huge tail waving goodbye to us. Nate tried to take some pictures but it was really choppy and he was lucky not to have gone over board!The great vision of the whale momentarily took my mind of my sea sickness...as it submerged ...

SO here in Christhuch - not much to do that would keep you occupied for more than a day or so. Got some bling Maori art from an Art Gallery stall at the market. Yesterday went to Oamaru to see the little Blue Penguins...they have a colony there are a special viewing gallery. SO just before dusk we wandered around their little colony and saw some of their nests and then watched them come back on shore after about 14 hours out at sea. They were soooo cute - they ar...

So today was another BLING day...just been on a Helihike through the Glaciers of NZ...went to Franz Joseph Glacier via a totally cool helicopter ride both up and down the glacier. We walked around the ice formations for about 2 hours ducking in and out of the wicked ice caves and trying not the fall into the freezing cold water when trying to stay on two feet that were attached to these crampon things...There were a few fashion fauz pars such as having to tuck my...

Queenstown at the moment...party/ski resort. But nate and I have avoided that scene and are just relaxing...well except for the "little" walk we took up to the gondolas to get a fab view of the place...Nate wanted to save cash so insisted we only purchase a one way ticket - yup downwards so we had to walk up...took about an hour to do it on a very steep incline...looking back it was good exercise although I didn't see it that way when every five mins Nate kept te...

Crossed the Cook Staits by ferry and are now in the South Island of NZ...this is supposed to be the more beautiful of the two islands.. First stop was the Marlborough Sounds...beautiful place ...small group of islands right at the top of the island.Stayed at Anakiwa Lodge which was a fabulous Homestay. Helen owned the place and she rented out a couple of the rooms...very cosy and great home feel to it - although no smell of sabjiz or roti! The lodge was pi...