We loved it in Kaikoura, the way the mountains meet the sea. Had a lot of fun surfing with the excellent “Boardsilly” and fantastic host, Tony, at the mini backpackers.

Arriving on the South Island, we had a few nice days in Picton, before heading to Blenheim for wine tasting!

We arrived on New Year’s Eve, to “The crossing Backpackers”. Great place, fairly empty for our visit, but we had a fun NYE! Unfortunately – or fortunately depending on hangover perspective – the weather was too bad to do the famous crossing hike. We had a nice 5 hour wander instead, and got a good feel.

We arrived in a little surf town called Raglan, in New Zealand. Being looked after marvelously by our friends Lee and Inger.

A visit up north to Port Macquarie …

We swung by Sydney, and stayed with friends and Chloe the wonder dog.