Travel Blog

These pages contain my diary entries I have written when travelling, detailing where I have visited, people I have met, and my thoughts as I go. You will also find pictures throughout that reflect my experiences and adventures!   Please read through my "Archives" to follow my trip...                              

New York

I flew into New Jersey from Las Vegas where I got the bus over to Harlem, (north of Manhattan). The following day I reversed the journey to meet mum at the airport. Initially it was strange to see her, although it’s surprising how quick things seem normal again. After a couple of days in Harlem we moved further south to stay just to the west of Central Park. We went to the Dakota building where John Lennon was shot in 1980, (now exactly 25 years since his death). Opposite in Central Park there is an area called “Strawberry Fields” where lies a memorial entitled “Imagine”, alongside a plaque for world peace. Central Park on a crisp winter’s day was beautiful, and in the time we stayed in New York we had snow too, which added to the effect. From our hostel we went on a 5-hour walking tour of Greenwich Village, (a place which was once a symbol for all things artistic, outlandish and Bohemian). We saw the outside of the “Friends” building, walked along the famous Christopher Street (site of an historic clash in 1969 between city police and gay men, marking the beginning of the gay rights movement), the “Electric Lady” Studios set-up by Jimi Hendrix and the world famous 'CBGB’s' club were amongst some of the highlights. We finished up in Washington Square Park, opposite the NY University, (NYU). We went to pay our respects at ground zero, visiting the church that still stands perfectly intact opposite the site. This building was a place for the fireman and volunteers to take refuge during the tragedy, and now doubles as a memorial and remembrance. Another free walking tour we took part in was one that went across to Staten Island on the ferry. Standing at the rear of the boat we looked back on the famous New York skyline as the sun came down, passing by of course the Statue of Liberty and the Brooklyn Bridge. On Staten Island there now stands a fitting memorial to all Staten Islander’s that died in the tragedy at the World Trade Centre. On the return journey the famous New York skyline amazed us at night, a sight that looked very familiar but so much more effective! In Times Square, we went to see a couple of shows on Broadway: The Woman in White and Sweet Charity. After visiting Chinatown we went along to the Hell’s Kitchen weekend market, stood to look up at the big Xmas tree at the Rockerfeller Centre and peered into many designer shop window displays of Xmas and fairytale dressing. My favourite shop had to be the famous Tiffany’s jewellery store, (also the favourite of Holly Golightly). Another historic landmark, the Empire State building we visited on a couple of occasions, and each time I couldn’t face the queues, height and claustrophobia! Well, I’m now on UK time, having arrived back to Birmingham on the 8th December, and it’s much warmer than New York!

San Diego - Las Vegas

I travelled down to San Diego by Greyhound bus which was a much different experience to travelling by these buses in Oz. Backpackers are a rarity, in fact it is much more daunting. Staying in the heart of the "gas-lamp quarter", I decided to stay here and take it easy as I had this extra week spare in California. Having previously visited San Francisco, I decided that the south coast was more of an option; I saw it on the map and just went. San Diego is situated thirty minutes north of the international border to Mexico. In my time spent here I visited Balboa Park and explored the Museum of Man, (one of the many museums in this area). Pancakes are offered at all hostels for free breakfast. Wow pancakes, fresh muffins, chocolate chips, peanut butter, jam etc etc etc... I'm very early on getting sick of the types and amounts of food so far - I should have finished my trip in Asia like the majority! From San Diego I was back on the bus to the Nevada state to visit Las Vegas, a 7 1/2 hour journey. The hostel was in a dodgy area and walking up to catch the bus to the main strip I even passed a gun shop.... "we buy second-hand TVs, DVDs, guns...". This seemed to sum up my experience in this part of America so far, I felt wary all the time and met so many weirdos. The hardest place I've travelled. The main strip of Vegas was pretty cool, although after a couple of visits I'd seen enough, and I didn't even see Elvis! I loved Cesar's Palace and the Venetian, and there were many free shows to be seen. The buildings were amazing, but once inside the majority of them it all looked the same - slot machines galore! It was a very busy time too being Thanksgiving. We celebrated at the hostel with Thanksgiving dinner. My solo 12 month round the world trip came to an end on Sunday 27th November. I finished my sightseeing with the Grand Canyon, Arizona. With new friends, we drove out to visit Hoover Dam. Certainly an engineering wonder as well as a work of art. We then drove on to the "West Rim" of the Grand Canyon, accessed through the Joshua Tree National Park. So now my trip ends here.... or does it? Well after all that travelling I've decided to take a holiday. "....Start spreading the news, I'm leaving today...." I've just flown across to New York where I have just met up with my mum and we are spending 10 days here together.

USA - Los Angeles

At Thaiti airport I met up with Linda, (Norwich) again after meeting in Rarotonga and we flew into LA, arriving mid morning. I'm now 8 hours behind England and I feel so close to home now! After having our fingerprints and mugshots taken at Immigration, I caught up with Linda and we decided to share a cab to Santa Monica. We then met up with Liz and Charlie, (Straford) whom we were in Rarotonga with. We headed straight down to an American sports bar where the alcohol soon woke me up again after the night's flight. The karaoke went down well there, America as some real characters! An early start the next morning and Linda and I went sightseeing through Hollywood, Sunset Strip, checking out movie star's home locations, Venice beach and downtown LA. In the evening we checked out the shopping, street entertainers and Santa Monica pier. Our last day in Santa Monica the four of us went rollerblading along Venice beach; I went for the "boots" rather than "blades", reminding me of my childhood - I hear they are very "retro" these days! We headed off after to go and stay in Hollywood, where all the action is! In Hollywood we stayed in a hostel just across the road from where the Oscars are held. It was certainly busy as we stepped out in the evening just as Mariah Carey turned up for a Virgin Megastore signing, and waved at the crowds in the street. We were on our way to a free preview of 50 Cent's new film,"Get Rich or Die Trying" at the Chinese Mann Theatre. We got free goodies for attending: t'shirt, hat and his new book. We had a day out at Universal Studios where we experienced "4D" cinema shows of Terminator and Shrek, rode the new "Mummy" roller-coaster and all the other many film attractions. The studio tour was certainly the highlight, driving through movie sets and experiencing all the special effects en route. After my friends left for Vegas I stayed another day in Hollywood to relax and take it easy. Stepping out on my own again just outside the hostel was a camera crew and as I stopped to look they asked if I wanted to appear on TV? It was for a new show about foreigners and as I was from England I got the chance to do a few takes introducing myself in front of the camera; I was standing on the 'Walk of Fame' too. Well, I certainly wasn't expecting that to happen!

USA Photos

Arrival at Los Angeles, California Pier, Santa Monica Beverly Hills Hollywood sign Rollerblading, Santa Monica Universal Studios Tour Me, Shrek & Donkey Las Vegas Strip Me! in Las Vegas Hoover Dam Joshua Tree, Nevada The Grand Canyon, Arizona Eagle Point, Grand Canyon 25 years on.... John Lennon memorial Ice Rink, Central Park Washington Square Park, Greenwich Village Ground Zero Mom, Times Square Times Square at night Skyline, New York Snow, Central Park

Cook Islands - Rarotonga

Flew over the International date line and I'm now 10 hours behind the UK. I arrived onto the main island of Rarotonga where just one road circled the 32km distance around. My accommodation is right on Muri Beach where a beautiful clear turquoise lagoon stretches out providing the best views on the island, showing uninhabited islands within easy reach. An idyllic spot to swim, snorkel and kayak in. Sunday we all went along to the morning church service. The singing was amazing from the local people and half of the service was spoken in Cook Islands Maori. Afterwards refreshments were laid on for us International visitors and we all had the chance to stand up and introduce ourselves. The following evening we experienced nightclubbing in Rarotonga at the local RSA, (Returned Services) club. It was a chance for us to meet up and mix with some of the locals. Tuesday night there was a flight due in late evening, and so we went along to experience "jet blasting". We all headed out to the jet blasting area, (by motorbike:- first adrenaline rush). Just beneath the landing strip we lined up against the wall looking out to the ocean to search the sky for the distant plane lights. At last it appeared and slowly turned towards us, heading very low now and seemingly straight at us. It then roared over our heads, (you felt like you could touch the wheels) and then landed just a few seconds later, just out of sight ahead. Word gets around here and everyone is doing it! I went along to the "Island Night" where locals performed traditional dance for us, and then the added bonus of a New Zealand band previewing their music with a mix of Tongan, Taihitian and... (some other island) ? Just before the end of my stay here I completed the cross island trek, which trail literally crosses from the north side of Rarotonga to the south side passing Te Rua Manga needle at 413 metres. It was a very challenging trek through tropical rainforest on a very hot day, and the tracks were very muddy and slippery and extremely tough. It took alot of tiring concentration over 4 hours, as the track was almost impossible, we were clambering over tree roots the majority of the journey. I did this along with a couple that had just completed the Appalachian Trail in the states, which took a solid 6 months of hiking! After visiting the market on my final day here, I was ready to leave. I had bought my flight forward to LA earlier in the week. There was little to do but relax and enjoy the beach really. Heading out to the islands was very expensive, so most people's time was spent on the main one.

Cook Islands Photos

Lagoon, Rarotonga Beach, Rarotonga going JetBlasting, Rarotonga Island Night, Rarotonga ‘The Needle’, centre of Rarotonga Island

Nananu-i-ra Island

I spent a few days on this island, and this place is where I have chilled out the most on my travels so far! I headed out on the hot and hilly walk to the beach behind where I was staying. Wow, the images I had seen of Fijian islands on the Internet & in brochures certainly lived up to their promise - pure paradise, and the beach completely empty... Oh, hang on... not quite, 1 person already got there before me... and it just so happened to be a German! A typical day here was spent sleep walking from bed to the moring buffet breakfast. Two hours later I would drag myself off to the hammock on the beach, (a 1 minute walk), collapse with a book and sway gently in the breeze. Wake up later to then go lie on the beach, and to contemplate taking out one of the free kayaks to another nearby beach paradise - Nah, it never happened, just couldn't conjure up the effort. As the sun went down it mean't the painful 2 hour wait for dinner: cassava, sweet potato, spinach, vege patties, eggplant fritters, watermelon, chocolate cake... and of course some Fijian bitter! Diwali, (a Hindu festival) was celebrated on the 1st November and we had the fireworks going on the beach at night - "happy diwali". I'm now back in Nadi, where this time round I got a taxi into town to have a look. This place has a really bad reputation, it is basically the 'tourist' driven town and as such it is full of the usual annoying touts and scammers. I now fly out on Saturday 5th November, arriving in the Cook Islands on Friday 4th - now that's gonna confuse me!

Ovalau Island - Levuka

From Suva I decided to visit the old historical capital of Fiji, to see for myself its reputation for looking like something out of the "wild wild west". Also off the tourist beaten track, it seemed perfect for a bit of an adventure to see the other side of Fiji life. Well, I'd convinced James and the next day we were on the local bus heading far east of the island to meet the boat out to Ovalau island. Not a tourist in sight, it was a great way to travel - as the locals! Fijians are great, so friendly and there to help you, (if you need it or not). Meeting the bus on the island, it was an interesting ride across, passing through many villages where the bus stopped and people would shout, cheer and chat out the windows, everyone knowing each other. Eventually we arrived at the main town of Levuka at dusk and we checked into a homestay. In Levuka we spent a great deal of time hanging out along the main drag; this being the case after you've met half the people and you catch up, propping up some doorway/leaning against some post on your way to.... no where in particular?? "Mission steps" were climbed, providing a view back to the bay. We wandered off along the back street, meeting the kids walking home from school; some picked us some mangoes from a tree. One of the Indo-Fijians we met in our time here, took us out to see the "3 stones", where Chief Cakobau signed the deed that ceded Fiji to Great Britain here. Plaques commemorate the signing ceremony on October 10, 1874, Fiji's independence exactly 96 years later, and the 1974 centennial celebration of the Deed of Cession. (October 10, quite a significant day I believe). That's about all we got to do in our two days here! At night I sampled my first drink of traditional Fijian Kava, which had the murky look of dishwater and the taste of a flour/water mix. Yet, it numbed your mouth and made you feel relaxed, sharing this amongst some new friends at the house.... and 5 bowls later. I'm now suffering from a heavy cold and so in true Fijian style, I spent a whole day relaxing.... actually, sleeping. I really felt rough. The day wasn't wasted however, and that evening we were taken to the town hall to a school concert provided to raised funds for an excursion. For 2 hours we were entertained by children performing song and dance in traditional island style, (Fijian and Indian dances), ceremonies and up-to-date hip hop style. They were funny and the local crowd were in uproar with laughter, especially at the mistakes of the entertainers! It was a great evening. The morning of our departure, we had to be at the shipping office for 4.30am! .... Eventually we arrived back in Suva late morning. Cheers for your company in experiencing the culture shock of Levuka James!

Fiji - Viti Levu

Bula! I flew into the main island, (Vitu Levu) and stayed in the nearby town of Nadi. A day later I got on the bus to the capital, Suva on the South East of the island. Having being told I would arrive at my next hostel, I was surprised to be kicked off the bus in the town, my hostel another 10km away. I asked which bus I could take there and was told it was the "pink and white" one. When I got to the craziness of the bus station I saw to my initial horror that 50% of them were pink and white! 4 bus drivers later I boarded the bus I needed, (a daunting task being the only foreigner and carrying such a weight on my back in the heat). I sat amongst the locals, befriending a woman whom I was relieved to hear was getting off near me, and so pointed me in the direction of the hostel. There are no bus stops out here, people were getting off every 5 seconds! (no exaggeration). It was a good vibe and plenty of loud music blaring from the ceiling speakers. I met James, (Auckland) at the hostel and we spent the following day in the busy town. We visited the Fijian museum and an Indian restaurant, (food is cheaper out here). We got a taxi out to Parliament House, and luckily Security allowed us in without no prior arrangement and we ended up getting a free tour around. The lady mentioned some of what happened during the Coup that took place here in the year 2000. After a stroll through the nearby neighbourhood we caught the "student" bus back to town; a windowless funky bus called the "Soultaker", pumping out UB40 at a deafening level, (I must be getting old). It was a great way to take in the sights and feel of the place, and again a great vibe. [one week later... Back in Suva I met Alistair, (Scotland/Canada) whom came with me on a walk through the nearby national park. It was a pretty tough walk alongside numerous waterfalls, paddling across streams and looking in awe at the numerous natural pools. It's raining quite a lot here now as it is the wet season. From Suva I caught a bus to the town of Rakiraki in the north of the island; this was an uncomfortable 4 hour journey, squashed inbetween two people on a 3-seater. I've never been on a bus that swayed and creaked so much as this! We crossed many a dodgy bridge too, not nice to see just a few planks of wood crossing a swollen river, and the crowded bus passing over - it was best not too look. In Rakiraki I had the taxi driver wait whilst I was adament about going in a couple of shops, oh and then getting stuck in the queues! Of course driving to Ellington Wharf I then managed to miss my connecting boat out to Nananu-i-ra island. Ah well, luckily another boat was passing though in 1/2 hour that I could get on. It turned out well, as this boat was taxiing some kids from different islands so it mean't the journey was more authentic; the boat I had missed was full of the 'Feejee Experience' (bus) backpackers.

Fiji Photos

Market, Suva Journey east of Viti Levu Leaving for Levuka, Viti Levu View of Levuka, Ovalau Island Levuka town, Ovalau Island School Kids returning home, Levuka View from Nananu-i-ra Island Empty beach, Nananu-i-ra Island

New Zealand - South Island

The 3 hour ferry journey from Wellington to Picton turned out to be a very calm crossing on a beautiful day. I was on the new Interislander ferry, Kaitaki ...her crossing was only one week old. This passage is regarded as one of the world's great scenic cruises... ...from the rugged southern coastline of the North Island, on through the Cook Strait where both islands can be seen and the distant view of the magnificent Kaikoura Ranges; the end of the crossing is reached after cruising through the picturesque Queen Charlotte Sound, (in the heart of the majestic Marlborough Sounds). The sparkling clear waters and lush forests offered a breath-taking introduction to the South Island. Arriving off the ferry I met Marcus. After a stroll around Picton, with its glorious views back to the Marlborough Sounds, we drove out along the winding roads of the Bay of Memories, in the top east coast of the Island. We then drove to the town of Blenheim before venturing out through the picturesque views of the south island towards Kaikoura the following day. Driving along the Kaikoura coast we stopped to 'seal watch' in their colonies of rocks by the sea. We stopped in Kaikoura for lunch, where we had the stunning backdrop of the Seaward Kaikoura Mountain Ranges edging our view. We then did a pleasant bush walk on the slopes of Mount Fyffe, which provided a view back to the peninsula. From here we drove on to Christchurch (the South Island's largest city), which lies on the eastern edge of the Canterbury Plains. Christchurch was originally intended to recreate a "slice of England in the South Pacific". The city's English heritage is evident in the Gothic-style buildings and the Avon River (with its overhanging willows and small punts out on the water), evokes images of a traditional English university town. I am now based in Christchurch for a few weeks, staying at Marcus's house. I have been sightseeing around the City, doing the usual free stuff that there is: Cathedral Square (the soul of the city), the Arts Centre area where we met up with Jodie from Wanganui, (whom was down here visiting), botanical gardens and Hagley Park...to name a few sights! One weekend we drove out through the scenic winding roads of the Port Hills, (hills that border the edge of the city) and to visit Christchurch's port of Lyttelton. Last weekend we drove out to the Banks Peninsula region, to the 'French' town of Akaroa. Initially, a French Whaling Captain bought this area of land from the Maori people in 1838 and returned to France to assemble a shipload of immigrants to colonise the peninsula. They returned within 2 years to find that the British had got there first, (through the "Treaty of Waitangi" established with the Maori people) and had hoisted the Union Jack just five days earlier. Many of the French colonists stayed and settled at Akaroa, and the descendants still live there today... indeed many of the streets and houses have French names and the town has maintained a unique French flavour. This, combined with its superb setting at the foot of volcanic hills and harbour setting, made it an ideal place to stay. The weather was warm and sunny, and we took out mountain bikes from the hostel and cycled out to the lighthouse and the Britomart Memorial:- where the British flag was raised and gave "the first effective demonstration of British sovereignty on the South Island". On our return to Christchurch we headed to the Montgomery Scenic Reserve for a short climb up the hills to look back out to the Peninsula. Departing at the start of the following weekend, Marcus and I drove out from Christchurch across Arthur’s Pass to the West Coast town of Greymouth. The highway stretches from coast to coast, passing through the Southern Alps and national park of the same name. Sights along the way included stopping at Castle Hill where distinctive rock formations, weathered over many centuries, emerged out across the hills... along with some Maori hunting significance to its history, and Devils Punchbowl Falls named by 'the' Arthur Dobson, which plunge into a steep-sided valley in the Arthur’s Pass township. Along the way we encountered the Kea, an alpine parrot famous for its inquisitive nature. These cheeky birds are known for stripping off windscreen wipers and other rubber fittings from parked vehicles, whilst other members of the flock distract the car owner. One of them responded to my callings and hobbled over all cute and innocently, enough for me to forget what it was probably up to... until shouts from Marcus when its partner in crime was suddenly on top of the car... the cheeky Kea! From Greymouth we drove south along the West Coast. The discovery of gold in the 1860s brought an end to the isolation of this area of the South Island, establishing many gold-rush towns, and the need for a road across to Christchurch, (Arthur’s Pass). We stopped at Lake Mahinapua, originally a busy coastal lagoon providing the main transportation of its day to the people; today it is cut off from the sea. At the next town of Ross we discovered its heyday of being one of the earliest goldfields on the coast, with some of the original buildings there for us to explore. We arrived at the Franz Josef Township, where we stopped to take a 5 hour trek out onto the glacier. There are more than 3000 glaciers in New Zealand, and because of its steepness and location, the Franz Josef glacier is the most dynamic in the world - it responds quickly to variations of precipitation and temperature. News from back home at this point, (home?)... reported heavy snow settling in Christchurch and the surrounding Canterbury area. It seems we left just in time, only 2 days before the bad weather. Yes, we were at the glacier here but the weather was lovely and sunny! We wore "crampons" on the base of our boots to ensure grip as we made our way up and down the ice. On occasions our guide would vertically descend in front of us, knocking out some of the ice just big enough for us to put a foot into. He would also chip these out along the steep ridges, with a high vertical view above and below where we were climbing – it was remarkable... no vertigo for me here, I felt amazingly secure with the crampons and ice pick! The following day we drove further south to the Fox glacier, stopping for views of the Mount Cook scenic backdrop, (the highest mountain in New Zealand). Fox, like Franz Josef is one of the most accessible glaciers in the world. We took a walk out to the terminal face, but it seemed more of a disappointment compared to our expedition the previous day. Further south we drove along the twisted roads of the coast that featured impressive rock stacks just off the shore, to delight our views around each corner. I then drove across the longest single-lane bridge in this country; (the bridges in this terrain are so beautiful to cross, curving round and over magnificent landscapes). We drove inland, deep into the mountains of the Southern Alps to a very small town of Haast for lunch. Heading out from here crossing through Mount Aspiring National Park, we stopped at such sights as Thunder Creek Falls, and then on through the Gates of Haast and along Haast Pass to head to the township of Wanaka. Our first glimpse of Lake Wanaka appeared suddenly before us with such beauty, set against a backdrop of the most amazing mountainous scenery. We drove the twisting road alongside the lake, traversing high bluffs to a narrow stretch of land where this road crossed out to the other side where we were suddenly given views of Lake Hawea, which was even more picturesque... we were certainly being spoilt! In Wanaka we visited "Puzzling World", which was full of eccentric shaped buildings, and weird and wonderful puzzling rooms. We also did "The Great Maze", a modern two-storey high 1.5km of confusing passages – and hey I managed not to get lost. In fact I wandered my way through the maze quite easily... I was probably there a while tho! From here we headed further south-west to Queenstown. Along the way we stopped to gawp at the Kawarau suspension bridge, (in 1988 it became the location for the world’s first full-time commercial bungy jumping operation)… hmmm, definitely not! Stopping at the living historic town of Arrowtown for lunch, we were delighted with the periodic main street. The gold rush days long over, the main focus today are tourists/visitors. Worldwide attention has been received in recent years with some of the Lord of the Rings trilogy filmed here and the surrounding areas, in fact looking at my map, the area between Wanaka and Queenstown has the most LOTR film sites. Queenstown, "A town fit for a Queen" and branded as the "world's Adventure Capital", boasts inventions of such activities as: bungy jumping, heli-bungy (now banned) and commercial jet boating. You can also go white water rafting, skydiving, hang gliding, river surfing, parasailing, canyoning, abseiling or go skiing. Me? What did I do here?... I went to Monty’s bar for a pint of Winter Ale. The shops too of course got some of my attention, which was all the adrenaline I needed! Leaving Queenstown we witnessed paramount views alongside Lake Wakatipu, shielded by "the Remarkables" mountain region. It seemed we were surrounded by such views for the next ½ hour as we meandered our way through. We continued further south west to the town of Te Anau where we stayed at a 'homestay', which offered something a bit different to a backpacker hostel... staying in someone’s house! We stayed over night here as it was the nearest place for us to stop before heading out to Milford Sound in the Fiordland National Park. No time to do the world famous 3-day "Milford Track", but I wanted to at least see some of this area. North of Te Anau we passed a few clear water lakes that border the road to Milford, stopping at Lake Fergus where the blue sky and white clouds reflected in its waters. We did a short walk out in the Hollyford Valley, crossing a swing bridge over a river and lead us out through forest to a boardwalk perched above a series of rapids where the river raged down through the trees. Further up we had to drive through the Homer Tunnel, which descended 1km right through the mountain to emerge out the other side... obviously. Oh the views! Milford is the best known of all of the fiords and the only one that can be accessed by road. The sound's entrance is so hidden when viewed from the sea that Captain Cook sailed right by without noticing it when he charted the waters some 200 years ago. Back through the tunnel, we drove south to follow the scenic route, bordering Fiordland National Park, to the very south coast to Invercargill. This is the most southerly city in New Zealand and was founded by the Scots in the 1850s. Here we drove slightly further south to Bluff, where there is the famous signpost photo opportunity. We are at the bottom of New Zealand... well, there is Stewart Island? After seeing Charlie & the Chocolate Factory at the cinema here, it put is in the mood for a guided tour of the Cadbury’s World at Dunedin the next day. We drove north east up to Dunedin, stopping at the town of Gore along the way – well it is known (apparently) to be the capital of Country & Western music and the capital of Brown Trout fishing! Chocolate factory tour done, we explored the town of Dunedin, (Gaelic name for Edinburgh) and its Scottish heritage. In the central area of the 'Octagon' we spent the evening in the warmth of the Flying Scotsman pub, sampling more Winter Ale. The sound of bagpipes playing the next day was a bit much for our hangovers, so we headed out to the peace and tranquility of the peninsula to visit New Zealand’s only castle. Did I mention the superb views? After a walk/climb? up Baldwin Street, (the worlds steepest recorded by the Guinness Book of Records), we drove north to Oamaru, arriving around dusk to see a blue penguin colony; Or not as we were just caught short with time to get to our next destination. Pity, the town looked an interesting stop... but you can’t do everything... something I have to keep reminding myself. We drove away from the coast and inland to the town of Omarama, arriving at night. Here we stayed at a farmstay, which again was somewhere to stay that offered us something a bit different. So quiet, so peaceful, so... where the hell are we? Omarama was the most convenient place for us to head out to the Clay Cliffs the following morning. These 'fluted' naturally occurring land formations were well worth the trip; a quiet place to visit with just the haunting sounds of two pigeons nesting among the pinnacles. It was our last day and we must move on. We headed further north to see Lake Tekapo’s clear blue waters, surrounded by the snow-capped mountains of the Mount Cook region, (we are now on the other side of MT Cook). Positioned on the shores of Lake Tekapo, the Church of the Good Shepherd was an excellent photograph opportunity that I didn’t want to miss out on. This small stone church built in the 1930s was sited against this stunning landscape, and so houses its famous view of the Southern Alps framed by its altar window. Time to continue north east back to Christchurch. It is currently Spring in New Zealand and there are lots of cute lambs to be seen as we drive around. We parked at the edge of a field to watch them play and there seemed to be a lamb that couldn't work out which was its mum to get a drink of milk, it kept being rejected by all the sheep. I called out to it from the (white) car. As the lamb was running down the hill it stopped and looked straight at us and started crying… and then kept moving forward to the edge of the field looking straight at us and bleating.... it was truly amazing and soooo cute... my eyes filled! During my last couple of weekends in the South Island we visited Hanmer Springs, where we luxuriated in the outdoor thermal pools just 90 minutes north of Christchurch, perfect after a nearby hike up Conical Hill. We also explored nearby towns and parks, (including Ferrymead historical town) Sumner Beach and Brighton Pier and I have made some new friends that live here. Cheers for your hospitality Eleanor & Grant, André & Tanya! So inevitably this makes it even harder to leave after almost 2 months living here, settled again. My time has come to leave Christchurch, and I fly out tomorrow to Kerikeri in the far north of the North Island, as I want to visit the 'Bay of Islands' before it is time to leave New Zealand.

South Island Photos

The Malborough Sounds, view from Picton Oyster Bay, Port Underwood backdrop, Kaikoura town Christchurch view, Port Hills The Port Hills harbour, Akaroa driving through Arthur's Pass more driving through Arthur's Pass cheeky Kea birds, Arthur's Pass Franz Josef Glacier Puzzling World, Wanaka breathtaking scenery, Queenstown driving through a mountain, Homer Tunnel The Milford Sounds, Fiordland National Park 18598km from London, the bottom of NZ Lanarch Castle, Dunedin world's steepest street, Dunedin the dominant population, South Island Church of the Good Shepherd, Lake Tekapo Cathedral, Christchurch