Horseriding on the beach in Fiji. Not bad for Kev's first experience at horse-riding (Annabel you would be impressed!).
Thursday, 27 March 2008
Wednesday, 26 March 2008
Fiji
Weather is hot but with some showers (almost forgotten what rain looks like!). Today we've got a massage booked. Tomorrow Kay's having pedicure and manicure. Well we deserve some pampering after all that camping!!
Fiji
Well after six weeks in a campervan this is absolute HEAVEN! Wow, this is the view from our room.
Rotorua
In 1886 Mount Tarawera volcano erupts and destroys all surrounding areas. The Pink and White Terraces (thought to be the 8th wonder of the world) were destroyed forever. All plant and bird life is extinguished and Waimangu Valley is formed.
After travelling 3,088km in New Zealand - now moving on to Fiji.
Rotorua
Today there are loads of earthquakes each day but you don't feel them. The geysers are everywhere and lake temperatures vary with loads of steam coming from them.
Rotorua
We went to Waimangu Volcanic Valley. Most of Rotorua is built on volcanic ground and there's loads of geysers everywhere. There's a lovely smell of sulphur! Rotorua
Went for a scenic tour round Rotorua on the DUCK.
Originally only 21,000 were made between 1942 and 1945, they were only supposed to last 6-8 weeks for the war, however, 63 years on and this one was still going strong!
Rotorua
Saw the warriors do the Huka which was great. Then had a Hangi meal (its a meal cooked in the ground). A great evening out.
Saw the Kiwi too but couldn't get a photo. They are almost extinct so you are never likely to see them in the wild.
Rotorua
The village is called Rainbow Springs - so called as the Maori's used to ask the chief if they would return from war safely. If a rainbow appeared then yes, but if no rainbow, well you've guessed it - bad news!
Rotorua
Stayed in Rotorua for a couple of days and visited a Maori Village and saw the Maori warriors arrive on their canoe. 
Huka Falls
We went on boat cruise just north of Lake Taupo. The Huka Falls are New Zealand's most visited natural attraction and highest volume waterfall. Maximum flow 300,000 litres per second.
Wellington
Arrived at Wellington in the North Island but decided to move further on up the island as time is running short.
Seals
This one's for Sara, Nick, Charlotte and Ben - these seals reminded us of Cornwall so thought of you all.
Seals
We left Kaikoura and drove to Picton. We passed loads of New Zealand Fur Seals just along bay right next to the road. There were loads of them.
Dusky Dolphins
Wow! Saw about 80-100 dolphins and they were brilliant. The were showing off their skills splashing and jumping, and playing with the boat. Not sure who was watching who!
Milford Sound Observatory
We went down under the water in a viewing tank which was brilliant, saw loads of fish.
Spotty - the most commonly seen coastal fish, they start life as females, grow to more than 200mm and then turn to males and loose their spots.
Milford Sound
The weather was a bit chilly in the mountains so needed coats - almost forgotten what its like to wear a coat! Also, hundreds of sandflies everyhwere so best to cover up as much as possible. Gosh theirs bit was horrible!
Milford Sound
Milford Sound is the most remote community in New Zealand with a population of 60 in the middle of the winter, yet has over 400,000 visitors each year.
Milford Sound
Went to Milford Sound. The Mite Peak is one of the highest mountains in the world to rise directly from the ocean floor (1,682m). It gots its name because its shape resembles a bishops mitre, or head-dress.
Tuesday, 18 March 2008
Mount Cook
Wow, the best view we've ever had - it was brilliant. We had breakfast overlooking the mountain. 
Onsen Hot Pools
Well its hard work this sightseeing lark, all this eating and drinking we need to relax sometime. Had our own private hot pool overlooking the Shotover river.
.................... Annabel - we thought of you!
Queenstown
Here we are skydiving from the top .................... not! But hey hoe it was great to watch.
Kingston Flyer
This ones for Toby ....................... saw the Kingston Flyer, an old steam engine. 
Milford Sound Observatory
Spotty - most commonly seen coastal fish, they start life as females, grow to more than 200mm and then turn to males and loose their distinctive spot.
Milford Sound Observatory
We went down in the underwater observatory - it was fantastic, you could see all the fish so clearly.Milford Sound
Weather was lovely but needed a coat as its cold on the water! Snow on the mountain tops.Milford Sound
The mitre peak is one of the highest mountains in the world to rise directly from the ocean floor. It gets its name as it resembles at bishops headrest.
Milford Sound
Went to Milford Sound for the day. ........
Milford Sound is the most remote comunity in New Zealand with a population of 60 in the middle of winter, yet has over 400,000 visitors each year.
Wednesday, 12 March 2008
Dolphins
Saw loads of Dolphins from the boat. These are Hectors Dolphins the smallest in the world. They have three colours and have the nickname of pandas.
Akaroa
This is the view from our motorhome - wow. Stayed in Akaroa for two nights.
Lots of lovely restaurants and good wine too Rene (so Ren you need a trip to New Zealand to appreciate the wine!).
Inside the motorhome
This ones for you Dion!
Inside our home .................... in Australia we had a Mercedes motorhome, here in New Zealand we have a Volkswagon motorhome - doesn't quite have the same ring to it!
Arrived in New Zealand 11th March 2008
Picked up motorhome which we've got for 15 days. We started with two suitcases and now have four!! Everyone else picking up motorhomes/campervans had rucksacks!
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