Bella Vista Motel & Apartments Christchurch

... quick.

We ended up in Blenheim, which is a really nice town. It is full of neat, clean streets with fancy brick sidewalks. It also has several city parks, one of which was our home for the night. We made dinner under a picnic structure and once again packed ourselves like sardines for the night.

It’s raining again today, and I don’t know what we are going to do. But I want to wander Blenheim, so here I go.

... and most importantly to sleep.

Luckily for us we were parked next to a couple who had the exact same van as us, they were going home so kindly gave us some of their unused items of food. We also were able to watch them do all the stuff we were not sure about. Filling and emptying water etc.

... the Southern Alps. Then the clouds cleared and we had excellent views of the mountains, and the Canterbury Plains.
Looked in on choir practice at the cathedral and had dinner in the hotel.
Its great to be back in New Zealand!
Day 38 Wednesday 12th August Flight to Queenstown.
The weather is cold and grey. We caught a shuttle in cathedral square and headed back to Chch airport for ...

... work the flushing out grey, black water and filling in fresh.

Day 3: We now intend to cut across the south island towards the East coast and possibly Milford Sound/Queenstown. Having no idea of the terrain and how much time it might take us to reach were not sure of where we would reach. Enroute we decided to hit MIlford Sound straightaway. The landscape on this route changes dramatically from the coastal to green pastures and meadows with grazing sheep all over. In ...

... Kiwi border official. Realising the effect no sleep must have had on my appearance and eyes in particular, I explained this in the hope of being allowed through immigration into the welcoming world of steak and cheese pies. Thorough immigration and onwards to my digs, I quickly changed and headed out for a stroll around and a pie. Heading towards Sydenham I wandered past some quirky vintage stores and $5 record stores ...

... gave T close to 4 dozen for free... straight from the shell. Happy girl. Arrived in Dunedin after a pretty long day driving and only had time the next day for a quick drive out to the peninsula and then a quick visit to Aunty Marg & Uncle Fred, who we left a few oysters as there were too many for T ha ha After another quick stop for lunch with Jules & Tony in Moureki... who, after lunch got engaged!!! Wicked news and congrats to you both. Tekapo, our last stop on the Van tour. We ...

... see little blue penquins, go through a ice cave and watch lots of cool movies about life in the Antarctic. Since I have visited every other continent, I guess I have to go to the Antarctic now! It does look cool there. Outside the center, we got to ride a Haaglund, which was one of the vehicles they use to explore the Antarctic. It can climb two story hills and go through four feet of water with no problem. It was fun! After the Antarctic Center, we went to the nature reserve and ...

ah another "base" hostel in another city. got to christchurch a few hours ago, seems alright but am only passing through. south island has been equally as whirlwind and brilliant as the north. crossed over on the ferry, im ashamed to say we didnt go and look at the view at all and instead slept the whole way but apparently it was very pretty. stopped off for the worst wine tasting trip ever on the way through to nelson.cramming one hundred people ...

... at day 1! day 1: Auckland, NZ via naga, fiji fiji was humid and beautiful. load of cool trees and nice area for vacationing. got into auckland, hung out in the airport for a long time waiting on bags and customs. it was hot once we got out of the airport. figured out how to take the bus to the hostel. carried my 70lb pack a few blocks, it sucked! got to the hostel, showered. went to find brad, alex's twin brother. surprisingly in NZ ...