On my way from Queenstown to Dunedin I noticed this young couple hitching. The heavily pregnant woman was holding a hand scribbled sign for Dunedin, and as I've been starved of company for the last few weeks, I decided to stop of and pick them up.

As they were putting their bags in the back the girl said excitedly to her husband, "look, it's the Van Man, this is the Van we keep seeing all down the West Coast"

Now, I love my Beautiful Blue Bus, but even I have to admit that it's not especially significant from all the other blue vans around for anyone to take special notice, BUT....
In a window on each side of the van I have written a small note that reads "Please note, nothing of value is left in the van whilst unattended"

apparently, they had noticed this small note when I was parked up in some beauty spot, and thought it was so polite (they are Canadian!) and so funny that they and a group of friends had had a heated debate as to whether it will make any difference. They also kept seeing it in other beauty spots down the West Coast, but until now had never seen the driver.

It is indeed a very special beautiful blue bus.

Dang!

I've lost my sunglasses, but as they are prescription sunnies, they are hard and expensive to replace. But they are about 8 years old now and more than likely out of date (as well as far too big and daggy looking).
So I have been to the optometrist and ordered a smart (in my opinion) small pair of normal glasses with nice clip on sunnies. This means at long last, I have a spare pair of normal glasses, and when I am taking photo's, I can easily take the clip-on off so I can see the correct colours.

Yet another great trip. Bit of an early start at 6:30am, but after phoning in to make sure the weather was clear enough to fly, it was all go. It was overcast very high up, but clear enough for us to get great views of the mountains and lakes around Queenstown.
We flew in a 6 seater Cessna plane, I had the co-pilots seat (again) which meant I got great views from the cockpit. The 30 minute flight down to Milford Sound was amazing, and took us over the mountains where a lot of 'Lord of the Rings' was filmed. The flight was really good enough to be the trip itself.
We landed on a tiny airstrip in Milford and made our way to a big tourist-type- cruise MV. The two hour cruise along the Fiord has spectacular views of snow capped mountains, suspended valleys and massive waterfalls. We even got to see seals playing around some rocks.
As always I took four billion photo's. After the cruise, it was back on to the plane for the flight home. The pilot took us home via a different route and we got a good 'birds-eye-view' of New Zealands highest waterfall (The worlds fifth largest). We seemed to almost touch the jagged peaks as we transversed three mountain ranges. We saw glaciers and lakes nestled near the tops of glacier gouged valleys as we dipped and soared between the tree line and the snowline.
We had some great views of Queenstown as we came back in and I even saw my beautiful blue bus parked on the road as we flew past.
Vicky's friend Kirsty is also here in Queenstown. It sounds like she is doing a very similar journey around the South Island at about the same pace as we will be meeting up in Wellington on the 6th Feb and travelling up to Auckland all together. We keep missing each others calls, but hopefully we'll be able to meet up for a few beers before hand.
Other than that, I'll be travelling to Duneden tomorrow and start my East Coast journey on Wednesday.

So far the time budget is well in hand and I have two days to spare
The money budget isn't doing quite so well, with all these plane/helicopter flights, have to tighten belt a little if I am going to keep out of the reserve fund before leaving New Zealand on the 15th February.

Okay, a tad indulgent, but I have just booked myself on a fly-cruise-fly package to Milford Sound tomorrow morning with Air Fiordland. So instead of driving the eight hour round journey I am flying down to Milford. Then I'm taking a cruise around the Fiorland, Milford Sounds, out to the Tasman Sea and back again. I am then flying back again to Queenstown.

Weather permitting, I will be taking off at 8am, it should be an amazing trip, and for £100, it's damn good value as well.

I hope I don't offend anyone, but ... I am a little under-whelmed by Queenstown. I think I've been a victim of muchos over-hype. Don't get me wrong, I like the place and it is pretty, but I had heard so many people really rave about the place that I was expecting something dazzling. It is a nice place though, and my base for at least two days.

One thing that doesn't really help is the fact that the hostel is in the middle of town, and there is no parking, I had to park ten minutes walk away and walk all my stuff to the hostel. I even managed to drop a pair of boxers in the middle of the street, some old bloke shouted 'er mate, you've dropped yer undies BLESS!. I'm in an EIGHT bed dorm which will be hot and noisy and is on the bottom floor facing the waterfront green, so we'll have a lot of noise outside as well. Oh well, some you win.

I did meet a girl last night who had just come from a three month trip through South America, so I picked her brains 'good'n'proper'. I managed to get some great 'top-tips' from her, which will help a lot. That's the great thing about backpacking, ask around enough and you'll find someone who has done the trip you want to do and you can get some first hand knowledge for free!

In the last eight days I have taken over 400 photographs. Oh you are going to be soooo bored!
I now have a digital camera which means the amount I take has increased, but not by that much, In two weeks in Africa I took a similar number on film and it cost a fortune to process.
A lot will be deleted, but there will be plenty for you all to see ... ha ha ha .... Ha Ha HA HA

The next big batches to go on the web site will probably be when I am back in Auckland, about the 10th of Feb

I have just taken such a fantastic ride in a helicopter which will be hard to ever beat. I managed to grab the front seat next to the pilot (I had to trip up an old lady, push a mother and pram in to the hedge and rugby tackle a zimmer, but managed to get the seat!). We flew between the mountains across glaciers and snow/ice fields and then looped around the three highest peaks in New Zealand. The views were 'stupid smile' level, and all I could do was nod when the pilot pointed out things of interest (like anything would be 'not interesting').
After about 30 minutes we landed at the top of the Frans Josef Glacier and had about ten minutes messing about in the snow. As you can imagine, I have quite a few* snaps of the trip.
We then got back into the chopper, this time I got a back/window seat for the five minute trip back to base.
This has to be one of the highlights of the trip so far, though in New Zealand you are spoilt for highlights.
When you get back it kinda puts a dampener on the rest of the day. What can I do now that can top that?
I know this sounds a bit daft, but these are 'proper mountains', high, jagged and covered in snow, I'm trying to rack my brains, but I think this is the first time I've been on a 'proper' mountain.

The West coat drive along the South Island is AMAZING! Every corner on the very windy road has a stunning view of the coast or of mountains or both. I have passed loads of unspoilt lakes and the weather has been very much on my side so far with just one day of grey.

Today I am on the Frans Josef Glacier, tomorrow I go to Wanaka via the mirror lake and then Queens Town on Saturday. I'm doing a lot of driving, but not usually more than five hours in the day and averaging four days driving a week.

I had a call from the travel agent in Auckland, all my Antarctica tickets have finally come through, so I will pick them up on my return. In less than a month I'll be at the bottom of the world.

It's about 11am and I have half an hour before I check in for my helicopter flight over the Frans Josef and Fox Glaciers (with a side flight around the highest mountain in New Zealand - Mt Cook). I'm very excited now. I've only been in a helicopter once before and that was over the Great Barrier Reef - talk about doing it in style.
The sun is shining and the skies are blue with the odd fluffy cloud. The snow on the top of the mountains at the back of the hostel is glistening white, so I've got a funny feeling I will have LOTS of photos of this one!

Picton reminds me a lot of Airlie Beach, just a little bigger, but surrounded by steep forest covered mountains, both serve a huge water-based tourist industry, both have loads of walks, rides, island visits, sailing cruises, whale and dolphin watching trips without being a huge resort. (Though Airlie is on it's way!)
I went on one of the Dolphin watching cruises for the afternoon, and we were very lucky to see loads. A pod of bottlenose dolphins swam, bow surfed, jumped and played around our boat for about twenty minutes. I got a few 'average snaps' of them, but the were soooo fast. Beautiful creatures.
We went for a walk on Motuara Island, saw some local wildlife, a tiny blue penguin, and other birds as well as some stunning views from a lookout tower at the top of the Island.

The ferry ride over from Wellington to the South Island should be listed as one of the most beautiful ferry rides in the world (if there is such a list) It sure beats the Isle of White Ferry. The last ferry I caught was the Fraser Island Crossing in Australia way back in '94, when we had hired a 4wd for the weekend and gone walkabout for three days.
I was a little worried, but was a breeze.
About an hour from Picton (South Island port) you enter the Marlborough Sounds. The ferry glides along Queen Charlotte Sound and passes steep tree covered hills impossibly close on both sides. This thin deep channel allows big ships to berth, and both the QEII and 'The World' have sailed to Picton.

Hamish is kindly operating as a temporary backpackers (Hamish is the Kiwi boyfriend of Annie, who is the English girl from Pensford who forms part of the cornerstone of the Blackpacks)
Al is still here after their Christmas and New Year jaunt across the South Island, which is very handy as I will be getting some top-tips from them for my trip.
Not seen much of Welly, and as I leave tomorrow, don't think I will get to see much either, but I will be back.
I get the Ferry to Picton (South Island) tomorrow and that's when I stay at the Jugglers Backpackers. I hope they have a set of fire clubs!
Wellington has a very nice feel about it, and several buildings in the centre have giant middle-earth creatures crawling over them just to remind you that 'Lord of the Rings' was a very kiwi film.

This seven hour walk takes you across the saddle of two massive volcanoes, Tongariro (1967m) and Ruapehu (2797m). The walk starts easy enough, a light tramp across alpine meadows to the base of a massive wall a magma. The climb up the wall takes about 30-40 minutes. This was the point I realised how unfit I was. About half way up my legs were like jelly and I was panting for England. The sharp edges of the rock made it more difficult to pick your way up, but it is a well worn and well signed track. I had to take a rest every 5 minutes or so, I liked to call these 'scenic breaks' as the view behind was magnificent.
I kept meeting up with a German couple 'Katrine and Eric' (sorry if I've spelt your name wrong!) and we walked across the massive 'South Crater'. Another climb up, not quite so steep, took us to the 'Red Crater'. Here you could smell the 'rotten egg' smell of sulphur' and steam vented from the rocks, where the ground was hot to the touch. This is where I sent the text messages from.
After a spot of lunch we skidded down, the scree covered, other side of the crater and headed for the 'Emerald Lakes'. These small pools of water were the most dazzling aqua-marine coloured blue I seen in a long time and looked very inviting after the walk we had just done. But as they were full of bacteria, acidic and very hot, I decided to give it a miss.
Just after the pools we came across the halfway marker (bit of a let-down when you had assumed you were two thirds of the way through!)
Yet another uphill section took us to the highest point and then the long, but beautiful, walk back to the coach pick up, all down hill (thank goodness). The view was stunning. You could see lake Taupo, the surrounding mountains and valleys all around.
The very last half hour of the walk through thick forest, followed a large stream and the sound of the forest and water made a very fine ending to the walk.
We had to wait about half and hour for the bus, during which time the skies opened up and absolutely hammered down. Luckily there was a large shelter there, so we didn't get wet, but there were people finishing the walk after the rain, that looked rather 'drowned rattish'
Although I had worn my boots once for an hour, there were still 'new boots', so I was very worried about braking them in on such a long walk, but there were excellent, I'm so glad I didn't buy cheap boots. It's just not worth it!
The walk was excellent, and as you can imagine, I have loads of photo's that I will try and put on the web soon

I have finally moved out of my beautiful house over looking Auckland Domain. It was very sad, I love it there, but time has come to move on. Big hugs to Jackie, Callum and Fraser for putting up with me. I'll miss ya!
I'm in Taupo at the moment, on my way down to Turangi.
Tomorrow I will be doing the Tongariro Crossing. This is a seven hour walk across the tops of two snow covered volcano's - actually, as it's mid summer, I don't know if there will still be snow, but there well could be.
I get to Wellington on Wednesday and catch up with Hamish and Al, Can't wait!

Yesterday I went to the Immigration office at 11am. The sign on the door said "no more processing numbers will be given out today". They were already filled by 11am, I made a note to arrive at 8am.
Whilst telling the above to my friends Vicky Halston and Annie Halston the told me how at 5:30am they had JOINED the back of quite a long queue and by 7am people were turned away.
So with my alarm set at 4:40am (having gone to bed a whole four hours before hand) I managed to arrive at the Immigration office at 5:30. I had to walk in to the city as there were no buses at that time of the morning.
At 7:30 they gave me a number. I was 24th in line.
At 10:50 my number was called
and twenty minutes later I had a one month extension to my visa - yipppeeeeeeee
That means I don't have to try and sell my car in four days, it doesn't mean I miss out on a visit to the South Island, it doesn't mean I have to try and get earlier flights to South America. I am very happy, if not, now very tired.

This afternoon I will mainly be packing. I am leaving the flat on Saturday. We are out Saturday night, and for one night only I become Adam Halston. I have so much stuff to send home, and because I'm going from Antarctic Cold to Amazon Hot I have a lot of clothes to take with me. It's such a nightmare knowing what to take and what to leave behind.

I so need sleep now!

Yet again, with a heavy heart, it's time to leave Sydney (and Australia). I am flying back to Auckland this evening, getting into the airport shortly before midnight.
Bob and Narelle have been excellent host's for the gazillienth time and, as always, made me feel very much at home.
I did manage to catch up with Zoe yesterday (met in Auckland) which was very nice to see a friendly face from my New Zealand days.
Talking of days in New Zealand, mine might be numbered!
A British passport holder is granted a visitors visa on arrival. I assumed that I would be granted one on my return, which would cover me until I leave NZ on the 15 Feb.
BUT... If you hold a working holiday visa, you are not allowed to get a visitors visa (as the WHV is considered a long term visitors visa) hence my current visa runs out 15 Jan.
I can get back in to New Zealand but to leave lawfully I have to apply on arrival for an extension (which is very rare) or bring my flight forward to South America. If you overstay a 'bad' stamp in your passport will cause all kinds of problems at other borders, not good at all!
So I will let you know how the visa things turns out

9 New albums in New Zealand 2 - Including Matts leaving, Kate and Petes return, Halloween Party and the Christmas Meal at Halston as well as others

7 New albums in New Zealand 3 - Including the Carlton Gore Housemates, Tongariro Crossing and the first part of my trip around the South Island.

224 New Photos in total


View All Photos - There are now 1071 in total.

Yesterday was a busy day. First I took at look at the Inca Treasures exhibition at the Australian Museum. It was alright, but I'm not much of a museum person (I get bored!) I'd rather see it in person. It certainly wet my appetite for Peru.
Then I went to see Goodbye Lenin! at the cinema. Not a bad little film, but not a patch on 'Lost in Translation'.
Off to Coogee Beach for a walk down memory lane. I love Coogee, and it's not changed a bit. I walked around Gordon's Bay and had a quick clamber over the rocks (no blue ringed octopus to photograph) and then walked to Clovelley Beach and past the old flat where Tom, Chris, Jason and I stayed way back in 1994.
I caught the bus back in to the city and watched another film. This time it was the Spanish Apartment. Very reminiscent of flat shares I've stayed in!
Then I went out for a few drinks and struggled home at 2am (must have been the sun!)

Nik, Narelle, Bob and I went to see the Lion King last night. It's a great show. Go, if you get a chance to see it.

8 New Photos: Long Time Ago - Me and my sister when we were very young
8 New Photos: Room 12 Gang - Those who stayed in room 12 of Bamber House in April 2003
40 New Photos: Pimps Party - Held at the Esplanade Backpackers
30 New Photos: Hillary's leaving party - Including the head shaving and the four Hillary's
8 New Photos: Al's Party - A cold winters night out on Al's Hill
24 New Photos: My Karaoke Party - My house warming party at Carlton Gore

View All Photos - Main Menu of photo album

I managed to sit in a great spot on Mrs Macquaries Point. Before me, lay Farm Cove, with the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge as the magnificent backdrop. I arrived just after 4pm, so with the first set of fireworks going off at 9pm I had a bit of a long wait.
The 9pm fireworks were great, but I couldn't face another three hour wait for the midnight firworks, so I went to find some old friends in a bar. I found them with an hour to spare and had a great evening. Twas VERY hungover when we watched the bongs of big ben live on Sky at 11am. I toasted you all at home, but with water as any more grog would have sent me hollering for God down the big white porcelain telephone.
I hope you all had a great New Year, no matter where you are in the world.