Hello Folks!

Ok, it's been a few days because I couldn't get any internet access anywhere but here I am in beautiful Akaroa and I've found somewhere to post from!

We managed to get through airports without any hassle but Bev did get drug swabbed at LA which amused us greatly - she obviously looks like a junkie...

Great hotel at Christchurch airport which was a blessing because we nearly froze to death when we got off the plane, it was so much colder than Auckland.  I did get our flights changed, we were supposed to have a 7 hour wait at AUckland but we managed to cut it to 2 and so we got there much earlier, had a sandwich at the Antarctic centre and then crashed out.  Dinner and breakfast in the hotel were great, but I may be overdosing on lamb shanks - thankfully I think the only harm it will do is to my waistline!

Drove down to Akaroa yesterday - fabulous scenic road which is quite steep in places, Bev did not enjoy it as much as I did and nearly had a heart attack when I said I was getting out to take photos, so I didn't :-(

We have parked up on a site up the hill and have amazing scenic views from our van - we paid an extra 4 dollars to have the best views and it was absolutely worth it.  We decided to stay here tonight as well, it's so peaceful and beautiful and we are still feeling a bit knackered from the journey so we thought another night would give us a chance to acclimatise a bit more.

It also meant we could go back into town today, went to the museum, the lighthouse and the wool shop - I bought a hat and scarf made from possum fur and wool - lovely and soft and warm, and an amazing pair of sheepskin boots to keep my tootsies warm when I get home!  We also found a great pub, proper grub (sausage and mash last night , more lamb shanks tonight - yum!).

Heading back up to Christchurch tomorrow for the weekend to watch the QFs, fingers crossed!

Just phoned the campsites in Auckland for the Final weekend and they are already full - was about to panic when the nice man at the Kiwi park said that we could park our van behind his house!  What a legend, unfortunately I failed to ask him how much he was going to charge us, so we might be bankrupt when we've paid the bill - oops!

Ah well, it will be fine, and I didn't dare say no just in case we couldn't find anywhere else!

Other things - everyone is really friendly, and say "cool" all the time, and I have yet to find a hand dryer that works properly!

I should probably also mention that when we picked up the camper we smacked the wing mirror on a lamppost and got lost within the first 2 hours... Thank God we said yes to the sat nav! ;o)))

I'll check in again at some point over the weekend I hope - Ciao for now xxx