So we didn't quite manage to keep up to date with our blog towards the end of our stay in NZ so here is a brief overview of the last week or so in the land of the long white cloud.

Lake Tekapo was absolutely stunning and although we only spent one night there, we managed to go for a nice long walk and go for a swim in the freezing lake water... Well Sophie went for a swim - Marie just dipped her toe in and then decided against it.

In Christchurch we were lucky enough to be invited to stay with Steve and Lynn in their lovely home and had the luxury of sleeping on a matress (!) above the ground and in a house (!). WIth a roof over our heads and a BBQ with meat- for the first time in what felt like ages- on the first night, we felt like the luckiest girls in the world. (We have come to enjoy the simple pleasures in life as you can see).

While in Christchurch we went for a walk (and got lost) in the ruins. It is amazing to see how the city was destroyed, and even after 2 years the earthquake is still very much evident. On Sophie's Birthday we had pancakes for breakfast, baked Birthday cupcakes and in the evening we all went out for a lovely dinner. Eating in a restaurant was a strange experience after so long, but a real pleasure. The inevitable Birthday song (along with pavlova with a candle) was not forgotten of course to Sophie's horror, but she survived! The days we spent with Steve and Lynn were the perfect end to a fantastic month in a truly spectacular country! Thank you to everyone who helped make it an amazing experience.

Next stop The Land Down Under!