Rarotonga to Christchurch

We are now on our return flights to Christchurch via Auckland, having enjoyed seven days in The Cook Islands. As we left the Island it was pouring with rain in a tropical downpour.

In the past few days we tried big game fishing, however the fish weren't biting so we came away with nothing.

So a relaxing few days has come to an end. We will be travelling down to Alexandra in the next few days where Roger starts his next placement.

Cycle ride around Rarotonga

Rarotonga is the largest of The Cook Islands but is still very small. Today we hired bikes and cycled around the only road circling the island. It is only 32Km long and took us just three hours at a leisurely pace including a lunch stop.

Rarotonga -The Cook Islands

We have popped over to The Cook Islands for a few days relaxation in the sun. Not bad views from our beachside bungalow which overlooks a large sheltered lagoon. The water is warm and we are able to see lovely brightly coloured fish around the coral.

Antarctic Centre Christchurch

This morning we saw William off on his journey back to the UK. After depositing him
at the airport we went to the antarctic centre. There was lots of information about exploring the antarctic a ride on a explorer vehicle over rough terrain and water and more views of penguins!

Moeraki Boulders and Oamaru

Tonight we are back in Christchurch as Will has an early flight back to the UK tomorrow morning. On the way back we stopped off at The Morekai Boulders. Unfortunately it was high tide so had to risk getting a bit wet to view them. Further up the coast at Oamaru we saw some blue penguins, although most were out at sea we did see some in their nests.

Otago Peninsula

This afternoon was rainy and dull in Dunedin but it didnt stop us taking a trip out along the Otago Peninsula to see penguins. Yellow eyed penguins are only found in the south east coast of the South Island New Zealand. They are an endangered species with only about 3000 left in the wild, so we very very lucky to see several coming home after a winter's feed in the ocean.

Roxburgh and Dunedin

Today we travelled further south through Roxburgh to Dunedin. Noticeably warmer here than central Otago. We completed the family pilgrimage to Roxburgh Dam and hydroelectric powerstation before a quick tour around central Dunedin. Penguin spotting is on tomorrows agenda.

Treble Cone

We have finished 5 days of skiing with a day at Treble Cone. The snow was a bit thin and icy in places but made up for by the long runs from top to bottom and awesome views over lake Wanaka and surrounds.

Wanaka and Cardrona Ski field

Two fantastic days skiing, with clear blue skies and fresh powder snow. Only marred by the hundreds of people crowding the slopes, making for long queues at the lifts. We also have a long drive up an unsealed road each morning to get to the ski base, with queueing for parking at the top. We also needed snow chains on one day despite our 4WD coping admirably with the conditions. An early start rising at 6:30am seems to be the best way of avoiding the worst of the crowds. The NZ kids will be back at school soon so we are hoping for some clearer runs in August!

We are staying in a large house with two other familys apart from us and William. Taking turns cooking is meaning we have had some spectacuar meals prepared for us including "beer can chicken". Yes it's just what it sounds.

Ski conditions seem to be improving so plan to try Triple Cone resort in the next two days.

Wanaka

We left a sunny Queenstown and have arrived in a very wet Wanaka. Took a drive up to Cardrona skifield. Horribly wet muddy and slippy access road, so we abandoned near the top. Hoping conditions improve over the next few days although doesnt look great for skiing at present.

Glenorchy

Will drove us today up the Quenstown to Glenorchy road, supposedly one of the most scenic drives in the world. The weather was supposed to be wet and windy but ended up fine and sunny again. Several more Lord of the Rings filming sites seen along the way.