Picton to Blenheim to Christchurch

Well Veronica's been taken away and replaced by the nameless vehicle that's exactly the same apart from the V6 decal on the back. The van man says it's only there because someone put it there, and the van's not a V6.

Here's pics taken from the ferry coming into Picton harbour, and the last one's of Christchurch which is a pleasant enough place.

This is the starting point for my journey south. First to Dunedin, then Invercargill, then off into Fjordland territory and up to Franz Josef and Fox glaciers. All thing being well.

The weather's not to good at the moment but it's still quite warm (in English terms, anyway).

My nights are being spent fiddling with synthesizers and playing 'Prey' on the Mac. Great game, gravity keeps changing!

Hello Christchurch (& R.I.P. Veronica)

Well, did the ferry trip. Was quite spectacular as you can see both North and South Islands at the same time.

I spent last night in Blenheim after driving there straight from Picton, and now I'm in Christchurch. And it's raining.

And Veronica has died on me. Something to do with her fan coming off its mounting and then penetrating her radiator.

Oh, well. See it's not all fun, fun, fun.

Replacements arriving in the morning, though I'm going to hold-off giving the new one a name this time. Not that I'm superstitious or anything. '

Touch wood, fingers crossed.

No pics today as the campsite I'm in today's a bit behind the times. Savages.

Hi to all.

No Cathy, I didn't do the white water rafting. Maybe next time.

More Photos Galleries Added!!!

Here's a few pics of Wellington.

I've also added all the Australia and NZ (so far) pic galleries now. You'll probably notice the difference in quality from the old camera (R.I.P.), but the quality of the pics uploaded is kept quite low for download/upoload reasons.

I'll try and add the fantastic avi of Haku falls, as this is quite breathtaking (it's 13mb, so I'm waiting for a cheap and fast connection to upload that one!).


Off on the ferry tomorrow!

South, here we come.

Napier

Stayed overnight here.

Nice place, but quiet. Pies are great here and very cheap.

I'm in Wellington now which is really fantastic. Pics to follow.

I'm heading to South Island on Tuesday, so I'm getting prepared for what everyone says is really eye popping scenery!

...better wrap-up!

Taupo

The biggest crater lake in the world.

Didn't really have time to stop here, but it's on my list when I'm heading back north again.

Part of it just collapsed, sending millions of gallons over a village. Fortunately, Kiwi's are prepared for these things, and no-one was hurt.

Craters of the Moon

Hot stuff and smelly underfoot!

Haku Falls

What can I say?

Rotorua

Smells a bit sulphurous with all the thermal activity (no, I ain't been overdoing the curry and beans again) round here.

Nice place and I've booked a place for Veronika for two days. I'll continue heading south tomorrow. Hopefully, I should be in wellington by Friday, ready for the ferry to South Island.

More pics to follow.

Whangarei

Here's a few pics of Whangarei taken with the new (cheapo) camera just before I left.

I caught up with Martin's mate Vic there and he showed me around town. I also met a few characters at a pub later-on. A sixty one year-old biker named Brundy and a couple of ballet dancers who were touring with the New Zealand Royal ballet.

How's that for a mix of drinking partners eh?

One for Janice

Eckie thump.

'Ere's t' pictures o' me an' they young lad Nathan down under.

As tha can see, 'e might be younger an all, and the resemblance is uncanny, but, obviously, 'e's not as good lookin' as me.

You'll also see (long-lost) aunty Gladys, Uncle Ernie and cousin Sharron and her wee bairns.

Hi Nathan and Kate!

Whitianga to Whangarei

Hello again.

Living in a camper van takes a bit o' getting used to.

Luckily, being of superior diminutive stature, fitting in is far easier than for most. It just involves a lot of moving everything around when a cup of tea is in order.

Which it usually is, of course.

Anyway, got a new camera. And here's a pic of the lovely Veronica with whom I'm travelling for a while. She's tempremental but reliable [wood being touched].

I'll have to swing back around the Coromandel to get photos as the scenery was breathtaking. It's only another 250km each way.

I visited Ted's family while I was there and they were so nice to me. Thanks Moi, Gina and Ted!!!!

In Whangarei at the moment. Going to catch-up with Martin's friend Vic today.

Camera Out Camper Van In

Yep.

The camera's given up the ghost. It had a good innings but they don't make the SmartMedia ones any more, so I'll have to look for another cheap one as I've just forked-out more than I can afford on renting a camper van for my NZ trip.

Hehe

Auckland

Hey.

Just been up the skytower to watch the crazees throw themself off the top (bungee at 192 metres).

I'll try and get some pics up soon but methinks me digital camera's on the blink, so I'll have to test it on the laptop to see if the pics are coming through.

First stop from here is either Whitianga up the Coromandel (ooh vicar!) or Whangarei.

One for Cathy

Hey!

Martin and Ali say hi from Wollongong.

They're doing a grand job letting me stay (wash clothes, charge laptop, drink beers...).

Thanks guys!

Off to Auckland tomorrow for the first NZ leg of my trip. Still trying to get Vic's details from Martin (sailor boy), can someone ask him for them?

Brisbane

So bl**dy hot on Monday. 36 degrees.

We took the catamaran up the river to cool off and see the city.

Then it was time to take in the sites of the Pig and Whistle public house.

Hic.

Back on the Farm

Thanks to Gladys and Ernie for making me feel so welcome at their place outside Beenleigh, and Nathan and Kate and Sharron. Family. Keep in touch!

Absolutely amazing wildlife all over the place.

Here's pics of the Lorokeets that come for their daily feed-up. There's also one of the Cockatoos that keep nicking all the pecans and macadamia nuts.

I'll post he family ones up later, when I've been in touch with Janice!

Thanks guys. I'll be back.

Last Day in Cairns

Heading down to Beenleigh near the Gold Coast tomorrow.

I'm going to see my Aunty Gladys, My dad's older sister. My old man left when I was about 6 and remarried on the other side of the world (he died about 8 years ago, before I got to see him again). She knew me when I was about 2, before she emigrated to OZ.

Now, try this one...

I have a brother! Nathan. He's actually over here and he's going to try and get to Beenleigh to see me.

I'm only there for a couple of days before going to see Cathy's brother - Martin - near Sydney on my way to NZ.

Hope it all goes well!

I don't think there'll be a connection on the farm, so it'll be a few days before the next post.

Stay well cobbers.

Great Barrier Reef

There's no messing around up here. Kit on, jump in. Fantastic giant clams and coral but I havem't seen any pelagics yet on these first dives.

Might have to do some more then, just to make sure.

I'm kinda getting used to hostel shennanigans now. It's usually the Brtis that are the worst culprits.

One p*ssed up 'lout' decided he didn't need to make it to the bathroom last night when there was a perfectly good dorm with loads of clothes, backpacks and sleeping people around to use instead.

Ah, well. Comes with the territory, I s'pose.

Hope you're all well. Thanks for the birthday wishes all (I decided not to celebrate myself).

Here 'till Sunday then down towards Brisbane and heading to Beenleigh.

Cairns

Scorchio!

Nice place this. Staying at a friendly hostel with aircon and a saltwater pool. Pretty good as you can 'barbie yer own' and stuff. Food's a bit pricey in the supermarkets, but it's quite remote and all the stuff has to be brought-up from Brisbane.

Got my first Great Barrier Reef dives tomorrow, so really looking forward to that.

I'm here 'till Sunday so have time to see the surrounding area which is mostly tropical rain forest and lots of Barrier Reef.