Gollum

Hello! This has really been a week to remember! Last week we travelled down to Wellington, the Capital City of New Zealand. We stayed with Brad and Simon (thank you both) in their luxury appartment overlooking the harbour - very nice indeed, we thought we were the bees knees! During our short stay in the capital, we managed to do - well, a hell of a lot really! A visit to Te Papa (Our Place), which is the National Musuem of New Zealand included an exhibition for the Lord of the Rings - really interesting, as they had all the costumes and weapons there along with multimedia displays explaining how the film was made. Around the corner was the Embassy Cinema, where the film was premiered, and towering above the entrance is a giant model of Gollum, reaching for the ring! We also enjoyed a cable car ride to see the views of Wellington. That night we had a BIG meal with Fiona and Derlys (from Wales!), Rachel and Colin, Patty and Warwick (old friends of Toni's). The next day we met Jim and Jo for lunch before departing for the South Island.







The hidden valley

The Journey across the Cook straight was fast, and the views approaching the South Island were amazing. Fiona and Derlys joined us on this trip and for a few days afterwards as we explored the beautiful, rugged coast. The best part of my journey so far had to be the Sea Kayaking in the Abel Tasman, one of the most beautiful places in the World. Fiona and Derlys got closer to nature than they intended when they got hit side on by a big wave, but their good old 'ah well, sod it let's get on with it' attitude saw them through - good on them! Toni managed to demonstrate her excellent nursing skills as one of our 'team' almost got scalped playing 'pass the paddle' - you couldn't make these stories up - Nana and Grandad, you'd be proud!

Zorbing

The next journey took us along the wonderful rugged coast, and to the Punakaiki (pancake) rocks and blow holes. These are massive layered rock formations standing proud of the beach. Along this stretch of coast they also have penguins, although we didn't see any, but the road signs were a bizarre sight! Onwards then, to Hokitika, home to the world's most beautiful sunsets, and more importantly, Toni's Grandad, Bill. We've been staying with him for a few days - thanks Bill, and enjoyed his wonderful company, home made ale and his new toy, the hp pavilion mx70 computer, which he will no doubt be swearing at right this minute!

I also got to meet Matt, who has been working for Bill for the past eight years for the payment of three Minties (Kiwi sweets) a week.

Anna, Rob & Owen zorbing

Luckily we also got to meet Barry and Chris, Toni's great uncle and aunt. Barry showed me his oil paintings, which are out of this world - Ellen, you would have loved to meet him, and shared artistic experiences! His paintings are mainly made up of the views of the surrounding area, which is truly breathtaking. Within an hour from here, we have seen gorges with rushing blue water, mountain ranges with snow on the peaks, beaches, gold mines, glow worm dells - the list goes on. When we stopped off in one of the alpine ranges, Arthur's Pass, we were greeted by wild Kea, big green parrots that are naturally inquisitive, especially when it comes to tyres and windscreen wipers! They are seen as loveable rogues, and great fun to watch.

Tomorrow we continue South to the Glaciers and Mount Cook, and then on to see the wild Whales and dolphins at Kaikoura. Watch this space!

The Photos are from Rotorua, where we went to the geothermal resort, and also had a go at zorbing with Anna and Rob.

Bye for now, Owen and Toni.