Phoenix Motor Inn Blenheim

... but losing the camera was a blow. It's not so much losing the value of the camera or even being stolen from (easy come, easy go); not being able to take any more pictures of my trip is what made me sad. When I packed for this trip, I knew not to bring anything I didn't want stolen or broken, but the camera was the one piece of electronics I actually brought, and I thought if I kept it with me it'd be fairly safe. Apparently not.<br><br>As I got into the van to head to the ...

... a 8 o'clock start. We took a water taxi out to Ship Cove out in Queen Charlottes Sound. We were going to take the 5 hour walk and then have lunch at Fuernaux lodge and take the taxi back!!! Well this was our last day on the South Island so we made the most of it and walked round to the next pick up point!!! We arrived 18 miles later!!! Had a really fab day the Sounds are very ...

... sounds like an idyllic mode of transport for wine trailing, but it isn't that great. Firstly, it was pretty windy - naturally the wind always seemed to be a head one. Secondly, the trail follows 100km/h single lane cycle pathless roads, which is a bit disconcerting for cyclists given how much booze is in the region! Fortunately we made it through the day unscathed, except for slight headaches the following morning.

... as well. They hired me without meeting me (offered the contract after talking on the phone briefly) and considering it is only for one month, I'll do anything!! I went to their office on Monday and they seem quite nice and have a nice atmosphere. There are about 45 staff in the CHCH office and they have 9 offices over NZ with most of their staff on the north island. I will be working with the Water Team and the Mining Team and that's all I know! So, I start on 6-Jan and work ...

... like a hotel, and a well equipped kitchen with a grill on the porch. We spent the rest of the day relaxing in the afterglow of our semi-wine buzz, and had a nice meal of BBQ steak and salad to finish out the evening in wine country. SIDENOTE: We didn't make it to Mud House Winery, but have had their Sauvignon Blanc since ($13.99 on sale at the supermarket), which we particularly enjoyed. It might be worth making a note of it!

... lunch. When reception re-opened we thankfully got our beds for the night - phew! We spent the evening in the hostel, watching telly and playing table tennis. Again i have to say the hostel was good, a lot of people were working so it had a nice atmosphere, the only downside is its in Blenheim. We were glad to get on the bus the next morning!

... Tongariro National Park however we didnt see much there as yet again it was lashing rain!! It was amazing really as Tongariro has 3 huge volcanos and we drove right past them through the national park and couldnt even see an outline of them through all the rain. A bit disappointing but it is the middle of winter here so cant be helped. We decided not to wait around for the rain to go and just kept going south. We arrived in Wellington yesterday on a lovely sunny day, dropped off the ...

... We then headed up to Akaroa just outside Christchurch on a reccommendation from one of Jenny´s workmates in Sydney. It turned out to be one fo the nicest places we´ve been to in New Zealand. Its an old Frech settlement in a secluded harbour. Our campsite was on a hill high up the mountain and the views from there were amazing. Grand little place to head to for a few days if you are on your way out sometime. After a day or two in Christchurch we ...

Today I left Wellington to head to Nelson, at least that's what my plan was. I ate a large breakfast and took a bus downtown to catch the ferry this morning around nine. I got off at the train station, just as I was told to do at the hostel, but I didn't know where to catch the shuttle that ran to the ferry building. It didn't look too far, so I decided to walk. Thirty ...

After our late night yesterday we dawdled a bit this morning. We set our alarm for 9am but dragged our feet in a vaguely hungover fashion. <br><br>In fairness I think we were still knackered after our long walk the other day, but I know that sounds a bit ...