Hello again from the Land of Zeal! The South Island is indeed incredible! Having left Nelson we were on the road to Kaikoura and got to go Whale watching! The weather was fairly awful and so we weren't sure we would get to see any but luckily we managed to catch four even though the average per trip is two! Nothing can really describe the sheer size of the creatures and no photo can truly represent it - just massive! Back on dry land we stopped at a winery! ...

Hello from the New Land of Zeal! Ever since I arrived I have loved every second in New Zealand - the people are so warm and friendly and the scenery in beautiful. The South Island is supposed to be even more spectacular and thus far it certainly doesn't disappoint! From Brisbane I made my way over to Auckland and had a night in a hostel before the tour started the next day. It was so hot and sticky in Oz I was really hoping for some nice fresh air but sadly t...

The Whitsundays are normally a great way to see the Great Barrier Reef. I was booked onto a three day tour with two nights on South Molle Island. The thought of three solid days on a boat feeling seasick really wasn't for me so I was pretty happy with my choice. Day one it rained non stop. The plan was to go straight to the Island but during the two hour boat ride we all got so wet and couldn't wait for a warm shower once we had got off! The island bar was ...

Hello from Brisbane! We have finally escaped the rain - at least for the time being! The humidity here though comes as quite a shock! It was 80% today and is set to stay at that sort of level for the rest of the week! I have no idea how I will cope in Asia! Brisbane city is much smaller than either Melbourne or Sydney. The shopping is pretty good and I have replaced much of my wardrobe already! On the Southbank there is what is known as 'City Beach'. It...

Hello! Australia Day, 26th Jan, should have been a brilliant day! For most Aussies it's bigger than New Year! Their very own public holiday when it's neccessary to be over the top patriotic! The morning was great - we headed down to The Rocks where various stages were set up and people were performing around every corner. It really reminded me of fete de la musique in Angouleme, everyone relishing in the atmosphere and celebrating together. At around lunch ...