Kiwi Land

I only have 15 minutes to write this so I will first tell you that the flight in to New Zealand was spectacular with a great view of the Alps.  The first days drive was through some great countryside from Christchurch to Hanmer Springs on the edge of some snow-capped mountains.  The first night was bloody freezing even under umpteen blankets and quilts.  Good stars again though with the milky way viewable. 

Wednesday's drive was through beautiful mountain country until we settled at a camp near Westport.  We had a walk on the beach which is a couple of hundred metres away.  It is a lot warmer here.

The motorhome which I am tempted to call Ludwig (Campervan Beethoven) is really good.  They ended up giving us a six-berth so we have lots of different sleeping options, I'm on that bit above the driving area.

I have been surprised at the birdlife as a lot of the birds are the same as in Britain; blackbirds, starlings, chaffinches and goldfinches as well as the usual house sparrow have all been seen quite regularly.  There are a lot of buzzards of some type in the mountains that I do not recognise though.

Anyway, time is nearly up.  If I can find another two dollars I will try and get some pics on here.